Wayne Rooney has resigned from his position as the coach of D.C. United, and this decision was made just prior to their match against Ghana Premier League champions Medeama in the United States.
The announcement of his resignation followed closely after the team’s playoff qualification hopes were dashed on Saturday night.
Both Wayne Rooney and the club released a statement, affirming that their separation was the result of mutual agreement.
Rooney, at 37 years of age, expressed that the timing felt right for this decision. He stated, “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.”
D.C. United CEO and co-chairman Jason Levien also shared his thoughts on the matter, stating, “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 to our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a head coach who will best align with this.”
On Saturday, October 14, 2023, Medeama SC is set to participate in a club-friendly match against DC United at Audi Field.
The Ghana Premier League (GPL) club is scheduled to depart from Ghana on Tuesday, October 10, heading to the United States for the upcoming game.
This historic match is expected to serve as a vibrant celebration of African culture in the heart of Washington, D.C.
Wayne Rooney’s tenure as head coach of D.C. United has come to an end, concluding with the team amassing a total of 40 points for the season.
Notably, this season served as his sole full season in charge.
Looking back at Rooney’s previous role as a player and captain for D.C. United during the 2018–19 season, he left an indelible mark with an impressive record of 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 matches.