DC United, a Major League Soccer (MLS) club, announced on Saturday that they have mutually agreed to part ways with head coach Wayne Rooney. The former England and Manchester United forward, now 37 years old, had a stint as a player for DC United between 2018 and 2019 before transitioning into a managerial role with the Washington-based team in July 2022.
Despite a 2-0 victory earlier on Saturday in their season finale against New York City FC, DC United missed out on the MLS Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, concluding the season with 40 points.
Following the match, Wayne Rooney, who also had a managerial spell with third-tier English club Derby County, expressed that he had put forth every effort to secure a playoff berth for DC United. He stated that “it’s the right time” to move on.
In response to the mutual decision, Jason Levien, CEO and co-chairman of DC United, issued a statement, saying, “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.”
Levien went on to express gratitude to Wayne Rooney for his contributions to the club, both as a player and captain during his playing days and more recently as the head coach. Rooney’s presence had a significant impact on soccer in the nation’s capital.
The departure of Wayne Rooney marks a significant moment in DC United’s history, as they now look ahead to a new era under a different coaching leadership, hoping to make strides in the MLS and regain their status as playoff contenders.
