D.C. United has officially confirmed Wayne Rooney’s departure from his role as the club’s manager, and this decision was made mutually.
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 onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this.”
Levien continued, “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.”
Addressing his departure, Wayne Rooney shared with the media, “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.”
“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.”
“I want to say on record to everyone involved in the club. Staff, players: I’m grateful.”
Rooney, who had previously played for this MLS franchise, returned as the club’s manager in July 2022 after leaving Derby County. Unfortunately, the team faced a challenging season under his leadership, and now his departure coincides with the end of the regular season.
Notably, his final game in charge resulted in a 2-0 victory against New York City, just before the announcement of his departure. The team currently holds the ninth position in the Eastern Conference standings. However, their playoff hopes depend on results from other matches after concluding their regular season games.
Rooney had expressed frustration earlier about the lack of communication regarding his future with the club. In a September interview with the Washington Post, he revealed his concerns about the absence of progress in his contract discussions.
Rooney stated, “I am slightly disappointed and frustrated there has been no contact for two months. We asked about a new deal.”
“We can sit down and talk about it – we haven’t heard back. Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it, that hasn’t been the case.”
“We asked to sit down and speak, because planning for next season needs to go ahead. So we asked two months ago where everything was at, are we moving forward or not moving forward – if that’s the case from their point of view – and we haven’t heard back.”
There have been reports linking Rooney to the Birmingham City job, with the club’s American owners reportedly considering him as a potential replacement for John Eustace, who has garnered interest from other clubs.
DC United performance and stats
DC United is currently 9th in the Major League Soccer with 40 points.
In the last 34 games, it has won 10 times, drawn 10 times, and lost 14 times. In its last match, DC United won 2-0 against New York City.
It has a negative goal difference after scoring 45 goals and conceding 49.
