DC United coach Rooney slams disrespectful comments

Wayne Rooney left his position as manager of Derby County in June, but has made a quick comeback as coach of the MLS team DC United. The 36-year-old was a record scorer for England and Manchester United for several years before he joined the MLS’ DC United in 2018 as a designated player, scoring 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 appearances.

There have been suggestions that Rooney’s move from coaching in England to coaching in the MLS is a bit of a career regression.

“I’ve seen a few articles, certainly back in England, on this as possibly a backwards step in my managerial career,” said Rooney. “I really found that a bit disrespectful to this league.”

Rooney said that he was planning to take a break, despite the fact that there were some clubs in England and Europe who were interested in working with him. However, when the DC United opportunity came up, he took it.

“Of course, I’m an ambitious person,” Rooney said. “I want to manage at the top level and this is part of that process, in terms of coming here, trying to develop this club, trying to get success here, but also develop myself as a manager.”

He said that his experience at Derby County was valuable and that he thinks he can bring a lot to the team at DC United to help them improve. DC United lost 7-0 to Philadelphia on Friday and are now sitting second to last in the Eastern Conference table.

“The team needs to improve...and I really believe with my capabilities of developing players, young players...we can really get this club back to successful ways again,” said Rooney.