D.C. United parts ways with head coach Wayne Rooney

D.C. United parted ways with head coach Wayne Rooney following the team’s elimination from MLS playoff contention. Despite triumphing 2-0 over New York City FC on Saturday night in their final game of the season, the Black-and-Red United can no longer qualify for the postseason. 

“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,” said 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.” 

Rooney joined the team as head coach on 12 July, 2022, following a two-year stint with Derby County in the English Championship. He returned to the Black-and-Red after serving as a Designated Player for two seasons, where he recorded 23 goals and 15 assists in 48 matches. 

Though he improved D.C. United’s form to reach 40 points in 34 games and a 10W-10D-14L record, the efforts could not secure his place for the 2024 season. The team will begin the search for a permanent replacement for the 2024 season. 

The team did not announce an interim manager, as the 2023 campaign came to a close at Audi Field.