Wayne Rooney is searching for his subsequent gig after saying Saturday that he’s leaving DC United after 18 months in command of the MLS outfit.

The Black-and-Red’s quest to make the MLS Cup Playoffs ended Saturday night time, and Rooney introduced his exit from the membership not lengthy after the ultimate whistle.

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“It’s the right time,” Rooney mentioned after the sport. “I’ve done everything I can to get this club into the playoffs. It’s not a single thing that’s happened. It’s about timing.”

“What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up. I want to say on record to everyone involved in the club. Staff, players: I’m grateful.”

DCU’s 40 factors are nonetheless above the road however one among New York Red Bulls, Chicago Fire, Charlotte FC, or New York City FC will move Rooney’s now-former membership earlier than the tip of the season.

Wayne Rooney’s time in DC United

While DC United didn’t reclaim MLS honors throughout Rooney’s time as a participant and coach, he’ll go down as greater than a giant title doing time on the pitch and contact line.

The Manchester United and Everton hero spent two seasons at DCU earlier than ending his profession with Derby County within the Championship. Rooney scored 25 targets and added 14 assists in 52 appearances throughout all competitions for the Black and Red.

He retired as a participant at Derby County and managed the Rams earlier than sliding into the DC United supervisor’s chair in July 2022 with the Black and Red within the midst of a horrible season.

DC gained his debut however not a lot else the remainder of the way in which, and his 2023 marketing campaign noticed the membership enhance however not make the playoffs regardless of Rooney’s sway serving to to deliver Christian Benteke — 14 targets in 31 video games — and Mateusz Klich — 4 targets and seven assists — to the membership.

Good runs in April and July noticed dour patches elsewhere, and there have been too many attracts down the stretch — DC completed 2W-2L-4T from Sept. 3 onward — to remain alive for the ultimate playoff spot.

What’s subsequent for Wayne Rooney?

Whether Wayne Rooney has the chops to turn out to be a prime, prime supervisor is but to be seen given his tender age, however there’s little question the England legend has earned respect for taking up two state of affairs with little or no assured reward.

Rooney’s proven dedication to his golf equipment with how he led — and caught round — Derby County and DC United. Derby’s off-the-pitch struggles had been historic and Rooney may’ve pulled the ripcord on a number of events.

So this isn’t like different former England legends from his era cherry-picking spots with European contenders or not going into administration altogether fairly than danger their reps in a lesser state of affairs.

Rooney will clearly be linked with any open Premier League job, however it wouldn’t be a shock to see him land in a promising Championship state of affairs, would it not? He’ll have loads of neutrals pulling for him after two admirable efforts exterior the highest flight.

DC United assertion on Wayne Rooney’s departure

“We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time. This decision creates the avenue for our next General Manager to have the full opportunity to impart a new philosophy and structure onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this,” mentioned Jason Levien CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United. “We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a D.C. United player and captain and most recently as our coach. He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend.”