Wayne Rooney parts ways with American club DC United

By Can Erozden

Head coach Wayne Rooney left DC United on Sunday after they missed out on the MLS Cup play-offs.

"D.C. United have announced that the club and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways," the MLS (Major League Soccer) club said in a statement.

"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 DC United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien.

Levien thanked Rooney for his service since July 2022, and said he "remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend."

The Washington-based side failed to secure a playoff berth in the 2023 MLS Cup after coming last in the MLS Eastern Conference table with 40 points in 34 matches.

Rooney, 37, has also coached Derby County in England.

He was a DC United forward in 2018-2019, scoring 23 goals in 48 matches.

Rooney played for Manchester United between 2004 and 2017, where he won five English Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League and one UEFA Europa League trophy. He retired from playing in 2021.