England great footballer Wayne Rooney has agreed to terms on a multiyear deal to become the next manager of D.C. United, according to the Washington Post’s Steven Goff. The deal is expected to be finalized in the next coming days.
Rooney had a previous stint with D.C. United as a player. From 2018-2019 Rooney appeared in 48 games with the Black and Red while producing 23 goals. Despite a three-and-a-half year contract, Rooney left to return to England to be a player-coach for EFL Championship side Derby County.
He eventually became the manager during the 2020-21 season. His efforts as a manager helped the club stave off relegation. However, Derby County endured a tumultuous 2021-22 season that resulted in relegation following multiple point deductions for entering administration and breaching the English Football League’s profitability and sustainability rules.
Rooney resigned from Derby County on June 24.
Rooney reportedly drew interest from Premier League clubs. But, he had his eyes suited on D.C. United as a manager and conversations with the MLS club for “weeks” according to reports.
Rooney will replace interim manager Chad Ashton, who took over after the dismissal of Hernan Losado earlier this season. Ashton’s appointment supposed to have been until at least the end of the season. However, the club has struggled on the field and fresh off a 7-0 drubbing to the Philadelphia Union. It’s the worst defeat in the club’s history.
Rooney is widely regarded as England’s top footballer. He started his pro career with Everton. But, he grew into legendary status with Manchester United. He is the club’s all-time top goal scorer with 253 in all competitions.
He’s also the top goal scorer for the England national team with 53 goals in 120 games.
Rooney arrived at Dulles Airport just outside of D.C. There he met two DCU staffers before leaving the airport with them.
The 36-year old Rooney will now use his expertise to help put D.C. United back on track. The four-time MLS Cup champion hasn’t reached the playoffs since Rooney departed following the 2019 season.
According to Goff, Rooney will attempt to persuade players he knows to sign with United during the transfer window. 35-year old Uruguayan forward Luis Suarez will be among Rooney’s targets.
D.C. United is currently 5-2-10 on the season and 13th in the MLS Eastern Conference standings.
