Wayne Rooney has been confirmed as the new head coach at Major League Soccer side D.C. United.
This is the former Manchester United striker’s second job in management after spending the last two years in charge of Derby County during the most difficult circumstances. He returns to DC United having been a player there between 2018 and 2020 where he scored 25 goals and provided 14 assists in 52 appearances before moving back to the UK with Derby, firstly as a player-coach before assuming his first command following the departure of Phillip Cocu in November 2020.
Rooney left the Rams last month shortly before the club were rescued from administration by local businessman David Clowes.
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Speaking of the quick return back into management, the 36-year-old said: “There were a few other clubs - both in England and in Europe - who got in touch. My plan really was to, after Derby County, take a bit of a break and then see what comes up.
"Once my agent called and said DC had come in, it was quite quick really - probably within 24 hours."
He also hit back at comments suggesting that this move was a backwards step in his career after what he was able to achieve with Derby during all the adversity.
"I've seen a few articles, certainly back in England, on this being a possible backward step in my managerial career.
"I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league."
In a statement released by D.C. United co-chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan expressed their delight at getting Rooney on board to move the club forward.
It read: “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.”
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