Suggesting that DC United’s job is a “step back” is a disrespect to MLS-Rooney
Wayne Rooney has been named head coach of DC United in Major League Soccer.
It is Rooney’s second job in management after he left Derby County last month and turned down criticism of his return to the American club.
“I’ve seen some articles, no doubt in England, about this being a possible step back in my managerial career,” the 36-year-old said.
“I really find it a little disrespectful with this league.”
The record scorer for England and Manchester United spent 18 months at DC United and was captain of the team before joining Derby as a player-coach in January 2020.
Rooney continued to lead the club for a period in which they were in administration and was in the lead as they were relegated to League One last season.
“I think the experience I’ve gained in Derby County over the last 18 months has been fantastic for my development as a coach, as a coach,” Rooney added.
“Getting back here in MLS, going back to DC United, was an exciting challenge for me, something I think can develop me as a coach.
“The team needs to improve, I think that’s obvious to everyone, and I really think that with my abilities to develop young players, of course, we’re working hard to get a few new players, we can get this club ways to ‘success again.
“It’s going to take me a lot of work, but that’s what I’m here to do and really improve the team.”
DC United said Rooney is “one of the most exciting and dynamic emerging coaches in our sport.”
Co – presidents Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan added in a statement: “He has already shown in his young coaching career that he knows how to lead a group through adversity.
“He understands our league and what it takes to succeed in Major League Soccer thanks to his two years of staying with us as a player.
“The passion he showed while wearing black and red electrified our city and our club and we are very excited to welcome him back as head coach.”
DC United has been without a coach since April, is the second Eastern Conference final and was defeated 7-0 by the Philadelphia Union on Friday.
Interim head coach Chad Ashton will remain at the helm of the team until Rooney receives his work visa.
“I’m an ambitious person,” Rooney added.
“Someday I want to manage at the highest level, and that’s part of that process in terms of coming here and trying to develop this club, trying to succeed here, but also developing myself as a coach.”
Rooney was put in the provisional lead of the Derby in November 2020 with the bottom of the championship after they separated from Phillip Cocu.
He was confirmed in office with a two-and-a-half-year contract three months later, a decision that led him to confirm his retirement as a player.
The Derby entered the administration in September 2021 and last season they dropped out of the Championship, having accumulated 21 points over the course of the season.
They finished them at seven safety points and, if the points deduction had not been imposed, they would have remained in 17th place.
The former Everton striker, who made his professional debut with the Toffees in August 2002 at just 16, left the Derby on 24 June.
“Wayne is a winner and a competitor. His work ethic and what he demands of himself and his players is second to none,” said Dave Kasper, president of football operations at DC United.
“Wayne’s focus on the game and the style of football he wants to play fits our philosophy and we believe he is the right person to lead our club forward.”