Wayne Rooney is no longer the coach of D.C. United, according to a statement from the team on Saturday night.
D.C. United and Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways, as announced by the team on social media. This makes D.C. United the ninth team to change coaches in the MLS this season.
Despite a 2-0 victory on Saturday, D.C. United failed to qualify for the playoffs. During his only full season as coach, Rooney improved the team’s overall performance with a record of 10-10-14, earning a total of 40 points. However, the team’s hopes for the playoffs were dashed when CF Montreal defeated the Portland Timbers 4-1.
D.C. United has now missed the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, matching a club record set from 2008-2011.
Jason Levien, CEO and co-chairman of D.C. United, stated on social media that parting ways with Rooney will allow the team’s new general manager to establish a new philosophy and structure for the sporting operations. The first step will be to identify a Head Coach who aligns with these goals.
Rooney took on the role of coach last year after managing Derby County in the English Championship for two years. Prior to that, he played as a designated player for United, participating in 48 matches and scoring 23 goals with 15 assists. In 2018, he was voted MLS Best XI, named an All-Star in 2019, and was a finalist for MLS MVP in 2018.
“We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for his contributions to our club and to soccer in the Nation’s Capital, both as a player and captain of D.C. United, and most recently as our coach,” Levien said. “He will always be an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.”
