Washington Post · Oct 8, 2023
After Wayne Rooney’s exit, it’s time for D.C. United to take the longview
Wayne Rooney is out as D.C. United's coach after 1½ seasons. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)Comment on this storyD.C. United’s hiring of Wayne Rooney as head coach last year — just like its signing of Wayne Rooney the lethal striker five years ago — was never a long-term solution.
Rooney, who lasted 1½ seasons in each role, came stateside in both instances to rouse a forgotten MLS club in a prospering league.
As a player, he brought global gusto to freshly opened Audi Field and marketing power to a faded brand. With his career winding down, though, he figured to stay no more than two or three seasons.