Following an impressive stint as manager of Derby County despite their relegation, Manchester United Legend Wayne Rooney is set to return to his former club DC United.
The BBC has reported that “Wayne Rooney has agreed to return to Major League Soccer side DC United as the club’s new head coach.”
He was at the Washington club from 2018 to 2020 where he scored 24 goals and provided 14 assists. A memorable moment came against Orlando City when he made a last-ditch sliding tackle before swinging in a cross, leading to DC United’s winner.
Rooney left the American club to join Derby County initially as player-coach. He still showed how he could still play and scored 7 goals for the club whilst playing in a deeper midfield role.
However, following the sacking of Philip Cocu, he was appointed as the club’s head coach. He managed to steer the club to survival on the final day of the 2020/21 season in a dramatic 3-3 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
Wayne Rooney Could Not Save Derby County
The 2021/22 season brought new challenges with the club in administration and being deducted 21 points, he was unable to save them from relegation this time around. Despite going down Rooney gained many admirers for his spell in charge of Derby for his determination and commitment to the job.
He was linked to the Everton job before Frank Lampard was appointed at the end of January. Lampard also had a spell as Derby’s manager before he joined Chelsea. The Rams have become somewhat of a breeding ground for ex-England players as they embark on their first jobs in management.
A move to the MLS may be seen as a backwards step for Rooney. Although, a recent example of how Patrick Viera developed as manager of New York City FC and is now enjoying a successful spell at Crystal Palace shows how it could be a wise move to gain more experience in the United States.
Wayne Rooney set to be appointed as new DC United manager, as per @MLSist scoop. Agreement now in place - after Rooney’s decision to leave Derby County days ago. 🚨🇺🇸 #MLS
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 11, 2022
Contracts being prepared - Rooney joined DC United as player in 2018 and he’s now back as head coach. pic.twitter.com/kxKH9ccNew
Rooney Was a Serial Winner as a Player
Rooney won everything at the club level and many managers who have do not go into management as they do not have anything left to prove. However, Rooney just like it is with many others from England’s “golden generation” still has the hunger to stay in football.
Lampard, Steven Gerard and Ashley Cole are all managers and coaches now. These players all did so well at their respective clubs but all have ambitions to be successful as coaches too. This may be because they never won anything with England and feel they can compensate for it as coaches.
Just like Jack Wilshere whose career was plagued by injuries has recently been appointed Arsenal’s u18s manager. Wilshere missed a lot of football during his playing career but now has the drive to compensate for this as a manager.
We will have to wait and see how successful Rooney will be as a manager but with his determination and love for football, he will no doubt be a success. DC United are currently 13th out of 14 in the MLS Eastern Conference, so just like at Derby he has a big challenge ahead.