THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
THE TRANSATLANTIC MAGAZINE
It was a little over four years ago that Wayne Rooney, one of English football's most prolific goal scorers with 53 goals in 120 International appearances, made a bold mid-season MLS move. His arrival in Washington was an instant success with goals and assists. In fact, after making his debut as a late substitute for DC United, he was made club captain soon after, and his effect was instant. Scoring a goal in the game in which he had the honor of wearing the club's armband, he helped DC make a late season surge to reach the playoffs, only to be knocked out in the first round.
"This is a seminal moment for our fans and organization. Wayne is a global soccer icon and his presence at DC United will elevate our product on the pitch and soccer as a whole in our city and in this country," Jason Levien, the team's managing general partner said back in 2018. "Wayne is a really well-respected player on the field and in the dressing room. He continues to be all the right things. Leaders are hard to come by nowadays in the game of soccer. He is a very good one. We're thrilled to have his leadership as we enter this new era at Audi Field. " He was named DC's player of the season in 2018, with 12 goals in 21 games, and backed this up the following year, ending his second season with a total of 11 goals in 27 appearances. He still had two years left on his contract when he was offered the chance to return home to England by Championship side Derby County.
There was a feeling that he was only just getting started and that the team was gaining traction, for him to turn his back on them, has them now scratching their heads, including Dave Johnson, MLS commentator, who has been covering United for over 25 years: "Rooney missed a penalty in a heartbreak of a playoff shootout against Columbus Crew in front of their biggest ever crowd, but there was momentum being carried through. But that was muted by his decision to leave for family reasons."
As club captain he bagged 6 more goals for Derby before the end of the season, but with some poor performances it was clear that time was against him and the call to retire from playing was getting closer. He was made Derby's player manager later in the 2021 season but decided to hang up his boots to concentrate on managing the side full-time. Derby was going through awful times off the pitch and found themselves with a hefty points deduction which would lead to an inevitable relegation. He was often criticized during his time in charge of Derby, for his lack of game management and a defense that was far from convincing.
With Derby relegated he stood strong though, that was until he was made an offer he couldn't refuse. Practically four years to the day of him jetting off to the US capital he was back again. DC United had come calling, and his managerial career was to take a new turn. His appointment as new manager at United was greeted less enthusiastically this time around. Yes, he is still a draw, but the way he previously jumped ship left a bitter taste with some, and his expertise in the dugout hasn't really been tested. So why should DC fans get excited this time around, especially when the MLS has grown up quickly in such a short time he's been away?
MLS commentator Dave Johnson says: "The news of his return has caught everybody off guard. I'm not sure anyone expected him to come back in a coaching role, even though it was first talked about when he arrived as a player."
Despite a $1m-a-year deal, which has a rolling option, it wasn't all plain sailing as Rooney's wife Colleen and their young family have decided to stay home in the UK; after all it was family that led him to quit and leave the first time around. It was clear that they were having problems settling to life in the States back then, so a swift return was unlikely for his brood. He arrives with their full consent and best wishes though. It's the bridges he has to rebuild in DC, as well as the actual coaching of the team, that will test his resolve this time.
This could be just a stepping stone as Rooney looks to rejuvenate a coaching career that has spluttered in its infancy. If he leaves the club in the lurch again, that will not look good on his resume. Nevertheless, this is still a landmark moment for the MLS as another big name joins their ranks. The American soccer public is gaining its own momentum as it heads to the World Cup this winter and may well see Rooney as their own stone to propel themselves forward.
