Here’s Why Wayne Rooney Left His Role As D.C. United Head Coach
Wayne Rooney Departs as D.C. United Head Coach: The End of MLS Playoff Hopes
Wayne Rooney’s tenure as the head coach of D.C. United has come to an end following the team’s elimination from MLS playoff contention.
The key reason behind his departure was the disappointment of the club’s playoff aspirations fading away on a fateful Saturday.
D.C. United gave their all in their final regular-season game at home against New York City FC, securing a 2-0 victory.
However, despite this commendable effort, results in other matches meant that they could no longer secure a place in the top nine positions of the Eastern Conference, a requisite for qualification for the postseason.
Rooney, the former England national team captain, had been at the helm of the Washington-based club since the previous summer.
The 2-0 triumph over New York City FC would prove to be his final match in charge. Immediately after the game, both parties mutually agreed to part ways, marking the end of an era.
Also read: What Wayne Rooney Said About DC United After Leaving The Club
Jason Levien, CEO and co-chairman of D.C. United, expressed, “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 to our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a head coach who will best align with this.”
Levien also paid tribute to Rooney’s contributions to the club, stating, “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.”
Rooney, during a news conference after the game, shared his perspective, stating, “I feel it’s the right time for me to go back to England. What lies ahead, I don’t know.”
Rooney, an iconic figure in football as a player, holds the record for the most goals scored for Manchester United and had a then-record 53 goals for the England national team.
Prior to joining D.C. United as head coach in July 2022, he had also ventured into coaching at Derby County in England’s second-tier championship.
In an interesting twist, close reports indicate that Wayne Rooney is set to take on the role of the next manager for Birmingham City, marking his return to English football.
Rooney’s MLS journey began in 2018 when he joined D.C. United as a player, spending 15 months in Washington before returning last summer to take up the position of head coach.
Despite his efforts and an improved record of 10 wins, 10 draws, and 14 losses in 2023, D.C. United’s playoff hopes ultimately fell short, leading to the conclusion of his coaching tenure in the United States.
