Wayne Rooney confirms DC United exit after potential final MLS game with Man United legend to depart by mutual consent: ‘It’s the right time’
- Rooney’s DC earned a 2-0 win in his potential final game against New York City
- After the game, the Man United legend confirmed he is on his way out of the club
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Wayne Rooney has announced he is leaving DC United upon the expiry of his contract with their MLS season all but over.
After signing off with a 2-0 victory over New York City on Saturday night, Rooney told reporters he will not be renewing his contract in the US capital.
Talking about his decision to leave, the Manchester United and England legend said: ‘I think it’s just the right time. I’ve done everything I can to try and get the club into the playoffs.
‘It’s not been a single thing which has happened. It’s about timing in your career. I’ve really enjoyed my time here. I’ve had a lot of great help from the owners… I just feel like it’s the right time for me to back to England, first to obviously see my family. I haven’t seen them for a long time.
‘And then, what lies ahead? Whether opportunities come up? I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I don’t have anything lined up. I’m going back there to see my family. If something comes up in October, November, of course I’ll look at it.’
Wayne Rooney has announced he is leaving DC United upon the expiry of his contract
Rooney potentially took charge of his final DC game in their 2-0 victory over New York City
Rooney’s DC side is still mathematically in with a chance of reaching the MLS playoffs after the victory over New York City.
As things stand, DC is currently holding the final playoff spot in ninth place on 40 points. Chicago currently trails Charlotte 2-0 in one of Saturday night’s later fixtures, leaving Frank Klopas’s team down in 11th place on goal difference.
However, both Chicago and New York Red Bulls – in 10th place on 40 points – has one more game to play. Charlotte, projected to close out the evening on 39 points, also has two games-in-hand still to play.
New York City, on 38 points in 13th, could also still leapfrog them up into the playoff positions.
It means Rooney and DC need all four of their playoff rivals to fail to pick up victories in their final games of the season.
DC later released a club statement announcing that Rooney is set to depart via mutual consent.
‘We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time,’ said CEO and co-chairman Jason Levein.
‘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.
Rooney spent just over a year in charge of the MLS club after his departure from Derby
‘We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a D.C. United player and captain and most recently as our coach.
‘He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.’
Rooney took charge of DC United in July 2022 after calling time on his turbulent stint in charge of English second division club Derby.
He had previously spent time with the MLS team as a player before taking on an initial player-manager role at Derby.
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