Rooney confirms DC United exit
The English coach confirmed his departure from DC United after failing to get the team to the postseason. He appears set to return to England.
It’s over. The love story between Wayne Rooney and DC United has come to an end in the most anticipated way. The future of the English coach hung by a thread, his continuity depending on whether he managed to get into the capital’s franchise of the country in the postseason playoffs. Despite the team’s 2-0 victory against New York City, Montreal’s win over the Portland Timbers left the Men in Black out of the equation. Rooney’s future will now involve a return to England.
“It’s just the right time. I’ve done everything I can to try and get the club into the playoffs. It’s not been a single thing which has happened. It’s about timing in your career. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve had a lot of great help from the owners. I just feel like it’s the right time for me to go back to England - first, to obviously see my family. I haven’t seen them for a long time,” Rooney confirmed in a press conference after the victory against NYFC.
“And then, what lies ahead? Whether opportunities come up? I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I don’t have anything lined up. I’m going back there to see my family. If something comes up in October, November, of course I’ll look at it,” the former Manchester United star added.
DC United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien thanked Rooney for his dedication since his appointment in July last year: “We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time. This decision creates the avenue for our next General Manager to have the full opportunity to impart a new philosophy and structure onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this. We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a DC United player and captain and most recently as our coach. He remains an important part of the DC United family and a valued and cherished friend”.
Rooney arrived in the United States with the task of trying to change the paradigm of soccer in the country after a decent season at Derby County in the English second tier. However, out of the 48 official MLS matches during his tenure, his team has registered just a dozen wins, and almost twice as many defeats (23). With Rooney in charge, the team barely averaged one point per game, one of the worst figures in the entire competition.
Future in England?
So where next for Rooney? In England, it has been suggested that Championship side Birmingham City could be among the clubs interested in hiring the 37-year-old. John Eustace is current at the helm at St Andrew’s - he was appointed on a three-year deal in July 2022. Birmingham are currently sixth in the Championship, 12 points behind leaders Leicester City.
Rooney’s profile would fit perfectly with what the club’s new board is looking for, an established coach with leadership skills. Now we just need to see what the future holds for the former striker. “I’ve enjoyed it – ups, downs,” he said. “I just feel the time was right for me to move on and then refocus myself. I think it’s probably best for me and the club they go get a new head coach. I didn’t want this to dwell on between me and [the management]. Obviously, they will be appointing a new head coach and he will need time to bring his players in for next season.”
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