Wayne Rooney Leaves DC United as Head Coach
Wayne Rooney Leaves DC United as Head Coach
![]() |
Coach Wayne Rooney of D.C. United before a game between D.C. United and New England Revolution at Gillette Stadium on July 15, 2023 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Image-Getty) |
DC United has officially announced the amicable departure of their head coach, Wayne Rooney, as reported by the Major League Soccer (MLS) club on a Saturday. The 37-year-old former England and Manchester United football star had a significant history with DC United, having played for the team from 2018 to 2019, and subsequently taking the reins as their head coach in July 2022.
Despite a 2-0 victory in their season finale against New York City FC earlier on the same Saturday, DC United fell short of the MLS Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive year, concluding their season with 40 points. In the aftermath of this pivotal match, Wayne Rooney, who also managed the third-tier English club Derby County, expressed that he had exhausted every effort to guide DC United to the playoffs. He affirmed that "it's the right time" for him to step aside.
In an official statement, Jason Levien, the chief executive officer and co-chairman of DC United, stated, "We have engaged in discussions with Wayne and mutually agreed that parting ways is in the best interest of both parties at this juncture." This decision has been made with a forward-looking perspective, as it paves the way for the club's next general manager to usher in a new philosophy and structure within the sporting operations. This transformation begins with the crucial task of identifying a new head coach who can seamlessly align with the club's vision and objectives.
Levien also expressed gratitude towards Wayne Rooney for his significant contributions to the club and the soccer community in the nation's capital. Rooney has left an enduring legacy, first as a player and captain for DC United and most recently as their head coach. This change marks a new chapter for DC United, as they embark on a journey to redefine their sporting strategy and chart a course for future success in Major League Soccer.