By Wayne Rooney has been appointed as the new head coach of Major League Soccer side, D.C. United.
The 36-year-old, who previously played and captained the club for two years from 2018 to 2019, will return in a managerial role, following a two-year stay as the manager of Derby County.
The Manchester United legend joined D.C. United in June 2018 as a player, and scored 23 goals in 48 appearances. During his time with the Black-and-Red, he was voted MLS Best XI in 2018, an All-Star in 2019, and was an MLS MVP finalist in 2018.
In January 2021, Rooney was appointed as the full-time manager of Derby County following a successful stint as interim player-manager. Though the club were handed a 21-point deduction by the Football Association over breaches of profitability and sustainability, Rooney guided them to a record of 14-13-19, totaling 55 points. He resigned as manager on June 24.
Speaking about Rooney’s appointment, Co-Chairmen of D.C. United, Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan told the club’s website: “Wayne is a soccer legend and one of the most exciting and dynamic up-and-coming managers in our sport. 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 Englishman will join the club and assume the role of head coach once he receives his work visa. Until then, interim head coach Chad Ashton will remain in charge of the team, as Rooney’s coaching staff is expected to be announced at a later date.
