Wayne Rooney appointed Head Coach of DC United

Wayne Rooney has been named DC United's head coach in Major League Soccer.

After leaving Derby County last month, it is Rooney's second managerial position, and he has resisted criticism for his decision to rejoin the American club.

The 36-year-old stated, "I've seen a few headlines, notably back in England, about how this could be a step backward in my management career.

"That actually seems a little demeaning to this league," I thought.

Rooney claimed that once DC United came in for him and things quickly moved toward him accepting the position, he had first spoken to his wife.

"A few other clubs, both in England and in Europe, contacted us. After Derby County, I was really just going to take a little break and see what happened.

Once my agent informed me that DC had arrived, everything happened rather quickly—likely in less than a day.

The all-time leading scorer for England and Manchester United played 18 months at DC United and served as team captain before joining Derby as a player-coach in January 2020.

Rooney later oversaw the club's administration and was in control when they were demoted to League One the previous season.

Rooney continued, "I think the experience I've received at Derby County over the last 18 months has been tremendous for my development as a coach, as a manager.

It was a wonderful challenge for me to return to DC United and the MLS, as I believe it will help me grow as a coach.

"The team needs to get better, and I believe that everyone can see that. I firmly believe, though, that we can restore this club's successful ways with my skills in developing young players. Of course, we're working hard to bring in a few new players.

The team will need a lot of hard work, but that's what I'm here to accomplish, according to the speaker.

Rooney is "one of the most intriguing and dynamic up-and-coming managers in our sport," according to DC United.

In a statement, co-chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan added: "He has already demonstrated in his brief coaching tenure that he is capable of guiding a team through challenges.

In a statement, co-chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan added: "He has already demonstrated in his brief coaching tenure that he is capable of guiding a team through challenges.

"Due to his two-year stint with us as a player, he has knowledge of our league and what it takes to be successful in Major League Soccer.

We are thrilled to welcome him back as our head coach because of the passion he displayed when donning the Black-and-Red.

The Eastern Conference's second-worst team, DC United, has been without a manager since April. On Friday, they were defeated 7-0 by Philadelphia Union.

While waiting for Rooney to get his work visa, the club will continue to be led by interim head coach Chad Ashton.

Rooney continued, "I'm an ambitious person.

"I want to manage at the highest level one day, and coming here and attempting to build this club and have success here, but also developing myself as a manager, is part of that process."