Former England and Manchester United star Wayne Rooney was named on Tuesday as the brand new head coach of DC United and has been tasked with reviving the moribund Major League Soccer group.
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It was a reunion for the 36-year-old British icon, who performed for DC United from July 2018 to October 2019, scoring 25 objectives in 52 appearances earlier than leaving to function a participant and coach at England’s Derby County.
“To come back to MLS, to DC United, was an exciting challenge for me and something which I feel can develop me as a coach, but also the team needs to improve,” Rooney mentioned.
“I’m an ambitious person. One day I want to manage at the top level. This is part of that process.”
DC United stands 5-10 with two drawn on 17 factors, sharing final general within the 28-team league. United fired coach Hernan Losada after six matches, changing him with interim supervisor Chad Ashton.
“I really believe with my abilities to develop young players, we can really get this club back to successful ways again,” Rooney mentioned.
“It’s going to take a lot of hard work but that’s what I’m here to do and really improve the team.”
Rooney resigned as coach of Derby County final month after the group’s relegation to League One, England’s third-tier, opening the door to his MLS return.
“I’ve seen a few (news articles) certainly back in England on this as possibly a backward step in my managerial career,” Rooney mentioned.
“I actually discover that disrespectful to this league.
“I feel the experience of guiding Derby County over the past 18 months has been great in my development as a coach.”
DC United hasn’t made the playoffs since Rooney helped the squad get there in 2018 and 2019 as a participant, however should duplicate his revival of a league-worst membership from 4 years in the past to succeed in the post-season.
“There a mentality I have to put into the players so when they go on the pitch they become a real horrible team to play against,” Rooney mentioned.
“That’s thrilling. That’s what I plan on doing.
“We know it’s going to be difficult. We have to go on a good run. They know how I want to play. If we can do that right off, then why can’t we make the playoffs?”
Philadelphia beat DC United 7-0 final week, matching the league report for the biggest margin of defeat.
“I believe they have been underperforming,” Rooney mentioned. “I believe there’s a lot more for those players to give.”
DC United’s subsequent match is Wednesday at residence towards Columbus however Rooney awaits last visa paperwork earlier than his official teaching function can start. DC’s following match is Saturday at Minnesota.
Rooney’s household will keep in England however he mentioned, “That’s not an issue whatsoever,” and that he had assist from his spouse to take the job.
“I’m excited to bring my skills,” Rooney mentioned.
“It’s going to be a variety of exhausting work I’ve to place in. I’ll have calls for and rules the gamers should stick by.
“I want players to come to this club who are hungry. I’m committed to getting the best out of myself and the players.”
– ‘Excited’ gamers –
DC United captain Steve Birnbaum was a former Rooney teammate and says gamers are trying ahead to study from Rooney.
“The group is excited to have him,” Birnbaum mentioned.
“We know the vitality and fervour that he introduced as a participant and we all know he’s going to do the identical factor as a coach.
“The guys are excited to learn from him. He has a soccer IQ that’s probably second to none. The group is extremely excited to see him uplift us.”
United chief govt Jason Levien famous that the membership produced 40 factors in 20 matches after Rooney’s arrival as a participant to make the 2018 playoffs.
“I’ve told Wayne we expect the same this time,” Levien mentioned. “But even when we don’t try this nicely, I feel we’re going to fairly nicely. I feel you’re going to see an actual uplift in our play.
“Having Wayne around has put a pep in everyone’s step. We’re excited about the future.”