Former England international Wayne Rooney resigns as head coach of Major League Soccer team DC United after they failed to make the playoffs.
The club stated that the choice to go separate ways had been “mutually agreed upon”.
“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,” said Jason Levien the club’s CEO and co-chairman.
“We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a DC United player and captain and most recently as our coach.”
“He remains an important part of the DC United family and a valued and cherished friend,” he added.
Rooney made known to newsmen that it was the right moment to move on.
“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,” former Manchester United forward Rooney said after his team’s final game of the season, a 2-0 win over New York City FC.”
Wayne Rooney had been managing English club Derby County but quit in June 2022 due to the club’s financial problems.
A month later, he joined DC United, where he had previously played for two years at the end of his career.
He took over DC United when they were near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, and they finished last season in bottom place.
This season, despite inconsistent results, the team had improved to ninth place, but they were unable to secure a playoff spot because other teams had one game remaining.
Rooney, 37, told reporters that he has no plans for his future but indicated that he will likely return to England.
“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,” he added.
Last month, Rooney expressed his frustration regarding the lack of talks about his expiring contract.
Since the dismissal of Lucy Rushton in October last year, the club has been without a general manager. Roster decisions have been managed by the president of soccer operations, Dave Kasper, and technical director, Stewart Mairs.
While Rooney has been working at the club, his wife and family have stayed in England.