Rooney leaves DC United after missing out on MLS play-offs

Wayne Rooney has left his role as DC United boss by mutual consent after missing out on the Major League Soccer play-offs.

The former England captain took up the role with the Washington-based side in July 2022 after a one-and-a-half-year stint as Derby manager.

DC were knocked out of play-off contention for the fourth consecutive season despite a 2-0 win over New York City in their final regular season match on Saturday evening.

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Rooney said: "It's the right time. I've done everything I can to get this club into the play-offs.

"It's not a single thing that's happened. It's about timing."

The 37-year-old also spent 18 months as a player for the Black and Red, scoring 23 goals in 48 matches.

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DC chief executive and co-chairman Jason Levien said: "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 on to our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a head coach who will best align with this.

"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 DC United player and captain and most recently as our coach."

Rooney has been strongly linked with a move back to England with Birmingham, who are under American ownership.

However the Blues, currently managed by John Eustace, are enjoying an impressive run after moving into the Championship play-off places with a 3-1 win over rivals West Brom on Friday.