Wayne Rooney is no longer manager of D.C. United with the MLS franchise announcing the departure of the Man Utd and England legend after a tough season
D.C. United have announced the departure of Wayne Rooney as the club’s manager by mutual consent.
“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,” said Jason Levien CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United.
“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 D.C. United player and captain and most recently as our coach. He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.”
Addressing his departure, Rooney told the media: “It’s the right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.
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“What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.”
“I want to say on record to everyone involved in the club. Staff, players: I’m grateful.”
Rooney, who previously played for the MLS franchise, returned as the club’s manager in July 2022 after leaving Derby County. But the team have had a tough season under his guidance and he now departs at the end of the regular season.
They won his final game in charge, beating New York City 2-0 just before his departure was announced. They are ninth in the Eastern Conference standings but after concluding their regular season games face being knocked out of the Playoff places by results elsewhere.
Rooney recently discussed his frustration over a lack of communication regarding staying at the club. Speaking to the Washington Post at the start of September, he admitted he has been left concerned by the lack of any developments surrounding his contract.
He said: “I am slightly disappointed and frustrated there has been no contact for two months. We asked about a new deal.
“We can sit down and talk about it – we haven’t heard back. Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it, that hasn’t been the case.
“We asked to sit down and speak, because planning for next season needs to go ahead. So we asked two months ago where everything was at, are we moving forward or not moving forward – if that’s the case from their point of view – and we haven’t heard back.”
Rooney has already been linked with the Birmingham City job. John Eustace is attracting interest from clubs elsewhere and the Mirror understands Rooney is viewed by the club’s American owners as a potential replacement.