D.C. United and Head Coach Wayne Rooney Reach Amicable Decision to Part Ways

WASHINGTON, D.C., (October 7, 2023) – D.C. United and Head Coach Wayne Rooney have mutually agreed to part ways, as announced today.

According to Jason Levien, CEO and Co-Chairman of D.C. United, the decision to part ways with Rooney was made to allow the next General Manager to bring in a fresh philosophy and structure to the team’s sporting operations. Levien expressed gratitude to Rooney for his contributions as a player, captain, and coach, emphasizing that he remains an important part of the D.C. United family.

Rooney took charge as Head Coach on July 12, 2022, after managing Derby County in the English Championship for two years. Although D.C. United fell short of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs, Rooney made progress, leading the team to a total of 40 points and a record of 10-10-14 in his first and only full season.

During his time as a player for D.C. United, Rooney made 48 appearances, scoring 23 goals and providing 15 assists. His impressive performances earned him recognition as MLS Best XI in 2018, an All-Star in 2019, and a finalist for the MLS MVP award in 2018.

D.C. United is one of the original teams in Major League Soccer, boasting a rich history with 13 domestic and international trophies.

For the past 27 seasons, D.C. United has called the District home, playing their home games at Audi Field in the Buzzard Point neighborhood of Southwest, Washington, D.C., which opened in 2018. In addition to hosting D.C. United games, the 20,000-seat soccer-specific stadium serves as a venue for over 100 events throughout the year, including the prestigious Unite the District Fest, featuring arts, culinary, and music festivities. Audi Field is also the home of FanDuel Group’s number one sportsbook in America.

D.C. United’s impressive trophy cabinet includes four MLS Cup victories (1996, 1997, 1999, and 2004), four Supporters’ Shield titles (1997, 1999, 2006, and 2007), and three Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup wins (1996, 2008, and 2013).