D.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.
Upon his return as coach in July 2022, Rooney signed an unusually short contract, through the 2023 season.