Michael Skubala will stay in charge of Leeds for the rest of the month – and possibly the season

Michael Skubala will stay in charge of Leeds for the rest of the month – and potentially the remainder of the season – after the club’s failure to land one of their top targets to replace Jesse Marsch.

The Under-21s coach has overseen the Whites’ last two games, a 2-2 draw away at Manchester United and then a 2-0 home defeat against the same opponents, following Marsch’s sacking last week.

Skubala has impressed players and club chiefs since taking the reins and will now be in control of Saturday’s clash against relegation rivals Everton and the visit of Southampton, who are remarkably set to be bossed by Marsch.

The 40-year-old is now likely to stay on for the rest of the campaign but Leeds are reserving the right to hire a new man if the team’s form dips or a preferred candidate becomes available.

Skubala, who will be supported by Paco Gallardo and Chris Armas, said: ‘I have really enjoyed the experience and the team and staff have responded well. I know I speak for Paco and Chris when I say that it is an honour to be on the touchline at this club.

Michael Skubala will stay in charge of Leeds for the rest of the month – and potentially the remainder of the season

Leeds have still not been able to find a permanent replacement for Jesse Marsch who was sacked on February 6

‘We will continue to work tirelessly to help to push on up the table in the short term, whilst the board focus on the long term future of the team.’

Leeds’ managerial search has been fraught with challenges as all of their favoured options had jobs and would only be available in the summer.

Andoni Iraola was the first choice of director of football Victor Orta, but extracting him from his Rayo Vallecano contract proved problematic.

Another candidate, Feyenoord boss Arne Slot, opted to stay at the Dutch league leaders, while West Brom chief Carlos Corberan signed a new contract with the Championship club.

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Leeds are set to revisit a move for one of their top targets at the end of the season, most likely Iraola. 

But with time running out before Saturday’s game with Everton, they have decided to bring some clarity to the situation by announcing Skubala will lead the ‘upcoming fixtures’.

Skubala joined the Whites last summer to take charge of the U21s having previously managed the England Fustal team and England U18s.