Wayne Rooney has left his post as D.C. United’s head coach after the former Everton player agreed to end his contract with the club by mutual consent.
After a disappointing start to the MLS season, the former Manchester United frontman has decided to step down as DC United manager.
According to reports, Wayne Rooney and the MLS outfit agreed to part ways after a year and a half stint as the club’s head coach.
What happened between Wayne Rooney and D.C. United?
The decision showed up on Saturday, the 7th of October after the team were removed from the MLS playoff.
The two parties declared that they had come to a mutual conclusion of Rooney’s contract following the club’s final match of the Major League Soccer season.
D.C. United secured a 2-0 victory over New York City FC but wasn’t enough to retain the former Derby County manager as the team head coach as the club still miss out on the League playoff for the fourth consecutive season.
Rooney, who previously spent 18 months as a player with D.C. United took over the club as a manager in the summer of 2022 after formerly playing for D.C. United from the 2018-19 Major League Soccer campaign.
Wayne Rooney ended his turbulent spell in charge of English second division club side Derby County before he was called to become D.C head coach.
The American club side earned 13 more points than they did the previous season, finishing with 40 points in total in Rooney’s first and only full season with the club.
What the club said after they parted ways with Wayne Rooney.
Following their decision to show the former England player the exit, the club released a statement on their media page, they said; “We have spoken with Wayne and agreed we should 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”.
Jason Levien, the CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United added; “We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and 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”.
What Wayne Rooney said after he left his role as D.C. United manager
Speaking to reporters, the former Manchester United player said; “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”.
He added; “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”.
Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly a legend in the game, he’s Manchester United’s record goal-scorer holding a record of 53 international goals for the England national team, 253 goals for Man United in 559 appearances and he has previously led Derby County in the English championship division before arriving at D.C. United.
What’s next for Wayne Rooney?
Following his D.C. United departure, the former England striker will seek a new pasture in Europe or the Middle East due to his outstanding playing career.