New Leeds United signing Weston McKennie says he will “miss” Jesse Marsch but says the club squad cannot dwell on his sacking as they look to avoid relegation.

After less than a year as the club’s manager, Marsch, 49, was fired at the beginning of the week.

Leeds had dropped to 17th in the Premier League under the American, who took over for Marcelo Bielsa in February 2022, and had gone over three months without a league victory.

The American midfielder McKennie was signed by Marsch in January but was only at Elland Road for eight days before being let go.

McKennie made his Leeds debut in Marsch’s final game in charge – a 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest – Following Leeds‘ 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Wednesday night, McKennie addressed the management transition.

‘Obviously every player here has gone through a phase where the manager has been changed and this was a quick turnaround,’ McKennie told Stadium Astro.

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‘We will miss him obviously but at the same time we’re focused on the job and getting points.

‘The new staff that came in at such short notice knew the job as well. We came here and took a point from Old Trafford, hopefully we can get all three next time at Elland Road.

‘For me it was probably the quickest manager change I’ve had. But I know I can play under any manager and hopefully we will find something who fits us well.’

Wilfried Gnonto’s early goal and Raphael Varane’s own goal just after halftime gave managerless Leeds a 2-0 lead over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

However, an in-form Marcus Rashford reduced the deficit at the hour mark, and the hosts were awarded a draw when Jadon Sancho scored his first Premier League goal since September.

McKennie added: ‘We can’t be too greedy. We wanted the three points but everything counts in this situation so we can’t moan about one.’

On Sunday, Manchester United will play in the return leg at Elland Road. By then, Leeds will have probably decided who will take over for Marsch, and they are considering Andoni Iraola of Rayo Vallecano and Arne Slot of Feyenoord.

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Leeds United have announced and completed the loan signing of Weston McKennie from Juventus on an initial loan deal.

McKennie becomes the third signing made by Jesse Marsch’s side in this January transfer window, after Max Wober and Georginio Rutter.

This month, the Whites have been attempting to bolster the quality and depth of their midfield, with Azzedine Ounahi of Morocco, a star of the World Cup, being their top priority.

However, when it became clear that they would be unable to reach an agreement with Angers, they turned to McKennie, whose signing was announced on Monday night.

A statement from Leeds read: “Leeds United are delighted to announce the signing of Weston McKennie on loan until the end of the 2022/23 season, subject to a work permit.

“The 24-year-old midfielder joins the Whites from Italian Serie A side Juventus, with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season.”

🔥 #WelcomeWeston pic.twitter.com/heUO6hRVej

— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 30, 2023

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McKennie has been given the number 28 jersey at Elland Road. McKennie was a key member of the USMNT’s run to the World Cup last 16 this winter.

He could make his Leeds debut in a trip to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.

The midfielder is capped 41 times by the United States and played against England at the World Cup group stages in Qatar in November.

According to Sky in Italy, Leeds has the option to make the agreement permanent in the summer for an initial £30 million; however, this option only becomes a need if particular requirements are met.

Speaking to Sky Sports after sealing his move to Leeds, McKennie said: “I’m definitely excited. The January window works quick. Around one week ago I didn’t know if I was going anywhere and now I’m coming here.

“When I heard the interest, it is definitely exciting. There are people I know here, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson and Jesse Marsch, I’m ready to get started.

“I’ve heard the support is amazing, the atmosphere too – that’s an adrenaline rush for me to come out and see fans going crazy. It’s like a 10-times energy boost. Elland Road is dope! The stadium is really nice. It’s top level.”

Asked what Leeds fans can expect from him, McKennie replied: “Hard work, non-stop 90 minutes back and forth, tackles, trash talk probably and everything – funny moments and serious moments.

“It’s a dream come true, I’ve dreamed of playing in the Premier League for the longest time. To have the support system I have here, I’m ready.”

"Elland Road is dope!" 🗯️

Weston McKennie buzzing to get going after joining Leeds on loan. ⚪✍️ pic.twitter.com/BtreDBkF0u

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) January 31, 2023

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According to reports, Juventus are demanding a £31 million fee from Leeds United for Weston McKennie, who has agreed personal terms with the Premier League team.

Leeds have reportedly made an opening proposal of roughly £25 million (€28 million) for the USMNT midfielder.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Juventus are willing to sell the 24-year-old this month but have urged Leeds to up their offer to £31 million (€35 million). McKennie has already agreed to personal terms with Leeds, and the two clubs are currently negotiating a contractual agreement.

Negotiations continue between Leeds and Juventus for Weston McKennie as opening bid has been made for €28m, Juventus want €35m fee 🚨⚪️ #LUFC

McKennie has already agreed personal terms with Leeds. pic.twitter.com/Imog3q7rpF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 25, 2023

In the January transfer window, the midfielder was linked to a number of Premier League teams, including Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Bournemouth.

But it has been suggested that having an American manager in Jesse Marsch might convince him to take up the offer at Elland Road.

McKennie, who made a permanent move to Juventus from Schalke in July 2021, has only contributed 13 goals and five assists in 96 appearances across all competitions.

In Serie A against Monza on Sunday, Juventus will resume play. McKennie’s participation is still in the air, however, Leeds is attempting to sign him before the January 31 deadline.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed he would ‘ideally’ like to add more cover in midfield before the end of the January transfer window.

The Gunners have been active in the transfer market this winter, bringing in Leandro Trossard from Brighton in a £27 million move to improve attacking numbers, as well as versatile Jakub Kiwior. The 22-year-old Pole is primarily a defender, but he has also been known to play in midfield.

Arteta made it clear ahead of the FA Cup match against Manchester City on Friday that he sees Kiwior primarily as a defender, boosting an otherwise sparse area of the squad.

“He gives us more cover,” Arteta explained, via Arsenal.com.

“We’ve been with three central defenders for the first part of the season which is very short, and we’ve been lucky with injuries. We needed to recruit in that position and we’ve done it – Jakub plays different roles and is a versatile player, and he’s going to strengthen the team.

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“If anything else is available that can make us better, we’ll look at it.

“We need some more cover in midfield ideally if we can, but in this market it is pretty complicated to do that. As I always say, the most important thing is that we get the performances and the time on the pitch that we need with the players that we have available today that are already really good.”

According to reports earlier this week, Arsenal are among the clubs to have been offered United States international midfielder Weston McKennie by Juventus.

The Gunners, Leeds, Newcastle, and Aston Villa have all expressed an initial interest in the American player.

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