New D.C. United boss Rooney rejects 'disrespectful' MLS criticism

Wayne Rooney has criticized his move to the United States, after being announced as the new head coach of D.C. United on Tuesday.

Rooney had previously played for United in 2018 and 2019 before leaving the franchise to join Derby County as a player manager in the Championship.

The 36-year-old kept Derby on after taking over from Phillip Cocu as permanent manager in January 2021, but relegation still loomed, remarkably finishing seven points from safety after a 21-point deduction early in the game. last season.

Rooney believes returning to MLS to coach is not a step backwards, but moreover his time at Derby County has prepared him for this role.

"I've seen a few articles, certainly in England, about this being a possible step back in my managerial career," he said.

“I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league. manager.

"Coming back here to MLS, coming back to D.C. United, has been an exciting challenge for me - something that I think can develop me as a coach."

United face an uphill battle to qualify for the MLS playoffs, nine points ahead of seventh-placed FC Cincinnati in the Eastern Conference, despite being two games less.

The four-time MLS Cup winners have been without a head coach since April and interim Chad Ashton's tenure came to a head last weekend, following a 7-0 loss to the Philadelphia Union.

Ashton will remain in charge until Rooney receives his work visa, but Rooney believes he is more than fit for the task at hand.

"The team needs to improve, I think that's obvious to everyone," he said. "I really think that with my abilities to develop young players - of course we are working hard to sign a few new players - we can really bring success back to this club.

"I'm an ambitious person. One day I want to manage at the highest level, and that's part of that process in terms of coming here and trying to grow this club, trying to achieve success here, but also to develop myself as a manager."