Wayne Rooney leaves DC United, club announces

DC United parted ways with head coach Wayne Rooney an a mutual agreement, the Major League Soccer club announced on Saturday.

The 37-year-old former forwardplayed for DC United between 2018-19 before taking charge of the Washington side in July of last year.

DC United missed the MLS Cup playoffs for the fourth consecutive season despite, although finishing with 40 points after a 2-0 win earlier on Saturday vs the New York City FC.

After the game, Rooney said he had “done everything” to get DC United into the playoffs, adding: “it’s the right time” to move on.

“We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time,” DC United’s chief executive officer and co-chairman, Jason Levien, said in a statement.

🚨 Wayne Rooney has decided to leave D.C. United — it’s over. English manager leaves with immediate effect. 🇺🇸

More on this topic:

Rooney returns as Plymouth’s head coach

“It’s right time. I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. New job? I’ve nothing lined up”, via @MLSist. pic.twitter.com/Ncjn1DYci3

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) October 8, 2023

“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.

“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 DC United player and captain and most recently as our coach.”