Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new head coach of Washington-based Major League Soccer club DC United.
The England and Manchester United legend’s appointment was announced today, few weeks after he quit as manager of troubled Derby County.
“DC United announced today that Wayne Rooney has been named as the club’s new Head Coach,” the club stated on their official website.
“Rooney, who previously played and captained the Major League Soccer (MLS) club for two years from 2018 to 2019, will return to DC United following a two-year stay as the Manager of Derby County while they competed in the English Championship.
“Interim Head Coach Chad Ashton will remain in charge of the team until Wayne Rooney has received his Work Visa.
“Rooney joined DC United in June 2018 as a Designated Player. During his time with the Black-and-Red, Rooney appeared in 48 matches, scored 23 goals and assisted 15 others. He was voted MLS Best XI in 2018, an All-Star in 2019, and was an MLS MVP finalist in 2018.
Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan, Co-Chairmen of DC United, said in a joint statement that they expect Rooney to help take the club back to the top.
“Wayne is a soccer legend and one of the most exciting and dynamic up-and-coming managers in our sport,” the statement reads in part.
“He’s already proven in his young coaching career that he knows how to lead a group through adversity.
“He has an understanding of our league and what it takes to be successful in Major League Soccer thanks to his two-year stay with us as a player. The passion he showed while wearing Black-and-Red electrified our city and our club and we are so excited to welcome him back as our Head Coach.”
The 36-year-old Rooney, who is England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer, was appointed as the full-time manager of Derby County in January 2021 following a successful stint as interim player-manager.
He helped navigate the club from the bottom of the English Championship table to safety, avoiding relegation by three points.
However, prior to his first full season in charge of Derby County, the club were given a 21-point deduction by the Football Association for admitting to breaches of profitability and sustainability.
Rooney resigned as Derby County manager on June 24 after the club got relegated to the English third-tier.
The former striker won 16 major trophies at Manchester United, including five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2008, and the FA Cup in 2006.
On the international stage, Rooney holds the record for the most-capped outfield player in England history (120) and is also the all-time leader in goals for The Three Lions with 53 goals.
“Wayne is a winner and a competitor. His work ethic and what he demands of himself and his players is second to none,” said Dave Kasper, President of Soccer Operations for D.C. United.
“Wayne’s approach to the game and the style of soccer he wants to play fits within our philosophy and we believe he is the right person to lead our club moving forward.”
DC United said Rooney will join the club and assume the role of head coach pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa. His coaching staff will be announced at a later date.
DC United were one of the founding clubs of Major League Soccer in 1996, and are among the most decorated teams in the United States of America with 13 domestic and international trophies.
