Russell Martin is a candidate to become the new manager of MLS outfit Columbus Crew, talkSPORT understands.The 39-year-old is in the running to secure an immediate return to the dugout following his Rangers sacking in October.Martin could be set for a return to management – this time in AmericaGettyMartin was only appointed at Ibrox in June – ending six months out of the game having been axed by Southampton in December 2024.While many expected him to lead Rangers to a Scottish Premiership title charge, he endured a nightmare spell as boss.In total, he lasted just 17 matches – winning five across all competitions – while losing and drawing six times each.He left Rangers eighth in the table at the time of his dismissal – entering his name in the club’s record books for all the wrong reasons.Having been at the helm for a mere 123 days, Martin boasts the unwanted honour of being Rangers’ shortest-serving permanent manager.S-Mart choice?But despite his struggles in Scotland, he could be handed lifeline to test himself on foreign shores for the first time in his career.American outfit Columbus have emerged as a potential option for Martin ahead of the 2026 MLS season.The Crew have been on the lookout for a new manager since Wilfried Nancy departed at the start of the month.Ironically, Nancy swapped Ohio for Glasgow, as he was appointed at Rangers’s bitter rivals Celtic.Though just like Martin experienced, the Frenchman is yet to win over fans having lost four of his six matches – including the Scottish League Cup final.Martin lasted just 17 games at Ibrox in what turned out to be a disastrous spellGettyMartin could take over a side that has won four major trophies this decade.The end-of-season MLS Cup was secured in both 2020 and 2023, while they lifted the Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup in 2021 and 2024 respectively.Despite heading into the 2025 campaign as defending champions, it turned out to be a disappointing season for Columbus.Finishing in seventh spot in the Eastern Conference, they were then knocked out in the first round of the MLS Cup play-offs by FC Cincinnati in the three-game series.Should Martin get the job, his first official match as Columbus’ head coach will be away at Portland Timbers on February 22.Another clash on the road will then take place at Sporting Kansas City the following week, before a first home match at ScottsMiracle-Gro Field against Chicago Fire on March 8.