Eric Ramsay was looking ahead to Minnesota United's most difficult run of games since he was appointed head coach in March. A road trip featuring games in Colorado and Los Angeles in the space of five days, before returning to Minnesota, posed a logistical task as well as a sporting one. Tight schedules and travel have caught out many newcomers to MLS, but the former Manchester United assistant coach was keen to embrace that side of the league.
"Part of the appeal of this league to me, and part of the reason I wanted to take my first steps here as a head coach, was because some of the things we're having to deal with are things you wouldn't necessarily have to deal with at home," Ramsay says. "Altitude, heat, geography, travel, back-to-back away games with no home time in between – these are all things that from the perspective of first-time head coach, really help you cut your teeth. It's very intense and very different.
There aren't many leagues that provide you with this variety." Minnesota United have started the 2024 season in promising fashion. They are third in the Western Conference through 15 games.
Ramsay joined a few matches into the season after his now assistant, Cameron Knowles, steered the team through the opening weeks as Ramsay waited on his work permit. Those early months have been focused on instilling togetherness and tactical organisation. Ramsay preaches the collective, but his side have been driven by the creativity of attacking midfielder Robin Lod a.
