Report: Canada contacts Solskjaer, Marsch after Mourinho rejects approach

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Canada Soccer has approached former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and American coach Jesse Marsch about taking charge of the men's national team after failing to land an interview with decorated Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho, sources told The Standard's Nizaar Kinsella.

It's reportedly unclear if Solskjaer or Marsch will proceed in talks with the federation, which is looking for a permanent manager to replace John Herdman.

One of Herdman's assistants, Mauro Biello, is currently leading the national team on an interim basis and could see it through its first-ever Copa America this summer.

Solskjaer has been on the sidelines since leaving United in November 2021. He amassed a 91-37-40 record while in charge of the Red Devils but failed to win any silverware.

Marsch moved to Italy after he was fired as Leeds United manager in February 2023. He lasted less than a year in the job. The 50-year-old also coached Erling Haaland during his time at Red Bull Salzburg.

Mourinho politely turned down the opportunity to speak with Canada because he's waiting for a higher-profile role, according to Kinsella.

Canada Soccer seems ambitious in its search for Herdman's successor. Earlier this month, former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard reportedly rejected a surprise approach from the federation. Carlo Ancelotti's former assistant, Paul Clement, and ex-Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka are considered other candidates for the role.

Herdman stepped down in August after leading Canada's men's team to its first World Cup in 36 years. A number of off-field financial issues - which remarkably raised the specter of bankruptcy - have negatively affected the program.