Former Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has dominated the headlines in recent weeks at the FIFA World Cup. He was heavily criticized after only managing a draw in Canada’s opener.
His side have since gone on to win their second game 6-0, effectively sealing a place in the next round.
Marsch’s time at Elland Road will fondly be remembered for how he handled the team in his first season in charge. Many expected great things after he kept the club up the previous year.
Things did not go well as he was sacked midway through the season and the Whites were eventually relegated.
It was very disappointing that he performed so badly, considering how he was backed in the summer. The club spent a huge amount, recruiting mostly former Red Bull players.
Former Leeds United man earns praise after World Cup performance
Max Wober, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Rasmus Kristensen all joined Leeds United in the summer of 2022.
Three years later, and just a few remain, showing just how bad the recruitment was in that window.
One of the flops that year was Weston McKennie, who had a poor spell on loan from Juventus. At the end of the season, the club chose not to bring him back.
At the 2026 World Cup, the midfielder seems to be having a fantastic campaign. In the USA’s win over Australia on Friday, Danny Murphy was very impressed with what he saw from the 27-year old.
“I have got to say that Weston McKennie is everywhere for the USA, he is running this game and is creating a lot of opportunities.
“He just looks a different class on the ball, he is strong, skilful and is appearing everywhere on the pitch. Australia do not know how to handle him.
“I have watched both USA games now and I think he has been one of the best players at this World Cup so far. He certainly has for America in both games.
“People might think that is a stretch but he looks so good on the ball, so confident and he’s just revelling in this atmosphere and making the most of this opportunity. He is really enjoying himself.”
Murphy is one of the pundits on BBC Sport covering the World Cup.
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How club’s players are faring at the World Cup so far
It has been a rather quiet couple of weeks for the Leeds United contingent at the 2026 World Cup.
Four players were selected; Noah Okafor, Ao Tanaka, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Brenden Aaronson.
So far, Aaronson is yet to get any meaningful minutes off the bench for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who have comfortably won both group games.
There is concern over Gudmundsson, who got injured after just 65 minutes in Sweden’s game.
Okafor and Tanaka are yet to play a single minute at the tournament, but it is still early in the competition.
