Wayne Rooney has returned to MLS club DC United as head coach, saying the “exciting challenge” can continue his development as a manager.
Rooney, who played for DC United between 2018 and 2019, stepped down as manager of Derby County last month, ending a turbulent 17-month spell during which the English club were mired in financial trouble and relegated to League One.
However, Rooney – who replaces interim coach Chad Ashton – is confident he can get his former club back on track and pushing for the playoffs by the end of the season.
Speaking at his unveiling press conference, the former Manchester United and England star also rejected the suggestion that switching to the MLS represented a step down from the Championship.
“I’ve seen a few articles back in England about this possibly being a backwards step in my managerial career,”
He added:
“I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league. I feel the experience I gained at Derby County over the past 18 months has been great for my development as a coach, as a manager. And to come here, back to the MLS, back to DC United was an exciting challenge for me, something that can develop me as a coach but also the team to improve.”