D.C. United have confirmed the appointment of Wayne Rooney as the club s new head coach.
It is a swift return to management for Rooney, who left his post at Championship side Derby County last month.
England and Manchester United s record goalscorer is back with the MLS franchise, for whom he played in 2018 and 2019; netting 23 times in 48 games across all competitions.
Although unable to keep Derby in the Championship largely due to a 21-point deduction at the start of the season after breaching financial regulations Rooney received widespread praise for his efforts during a difficult campaign at Pride Park.
Now set for his second managerial spell in quick succession, the 36-year-old will replace interim head coach Chad Ashton upon receiving his work visa.
Ruthless competitor. Fearless leader.
Wayne is ready to take the helm in D.C. ||
— D.C. United (@dcunited)
Wayne is a soccer legend and one of the most exciting and dynamic up-and-coming managers in our sport, said D.C. co-chairmen Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan in a joint statement.
He s already proven in his young coaching career that he knows how to lead a group through adversity. He has an understanding of our league and what it takes to be successful in Major League Soccer thanks to his two-year stay with us as a player.
The passion he showed while wearing black and red electrified our city and our club, and we are so excited to welcome him back as our head coach.
