When discussing Minnesota United’s acquisitions, head coach Adrian Heath and sporting director Manny Lagos are almost exclusively cited as the driving forces. It’s the nature of their positions to act as an easily identifiable face for the operation. In reality, though, there’s a third figure who leads the player personnel decision-making.



Amos Magee joined the team ahead of its first MLS season after playing for the Minnesota Thunder for twelve years and coaching for the Thunder, the Portland Timbers, and D.C. United. His official title is director of player personnel. But what does a director of player personnel do?



Amidst the backdrop of a polar vortex, The Athletic sat down with Magee at the team’s headquarters in Golden Valley. The St. Paul native discussed his role with the team, how the team scouts and signs international players, the viability of the Minnesota market, new challenges for domestic players, and much more.



What...