Fresh start for USMNT star Brenden Aaronson? Union Berlin sack head coach Urs Fischer after disastrous start to the season

The capital club have suffered a disastrous start to the 2023-24 campaign, sitting rock bottom of the Bundesliga with just six points from their opening 11 matches. This is even more shocking given their fourth-placed finish last term, meaning Union have had to act swiftly. The club announced Fischer's sacking on Wednesday, parting ways with their head coach of over five years.

The decision therefore marks a new era for the German side - but it could also offer USMNT star Aaronson a clean slate. Since joining on loan from Leeds in the summer, the 23-year-old has failed to score or assist in any of his 14 matches across all competitions, although this has largely come from lack of opportunities. The Medford-born forward has only started two matches in the league all season, and Fischer's successor may offer him more game time.

Union president Dirk Zingler said of Fischer's sacking in an official statement: “I only recently made it clear that Urs Fischer is an excellent coach, and I continue to be absolutely convinced of that. His personality and his successful work have shaped our club in recent years and opened up many new opportunities for us. During these five and a half years of our collaboration, respect and trust developed between us, on the basis of which we were able to exchange ideas openly and honestly at any time.

"Together we have now come to the conclusion that now is the time to take a different path. For me personally and certainly for the entire Union family, this is a very sad moment. It hurts that we haven't been able to break the negative trend of the last few weeks. Looking back on the time we spent together and the successes we celebrated together, I am grateful and proud. As painful as this separation is, Urs Fischer leaves as a friend who will be welcomed by us with open arms at all times.”

Aaronson will now hope for more time on the pitch - although the USMNT star won't find out his fate until Union's next match against Augsburg on November 25. Before that fixture, Aaronson will take part in the States' crucial Nations League matches home and away to Trinidad and Tobago on November 17 and 21, respectively, after being called up by coach Gregg Berhalter.