D.C. United hires Ally Mackay as new general manager

D.C. United appointed Ally Mackay as general manager and chief soccer officer, people familiar with the matter announced Friday, seeking the Scottish-born executive to lead a new direction after years of dissatisfaction.

Mackay served as Nashville’s assistant general manager under Mike Jacobs for the past four seasons, with the team achieving playoff qualification in each of its four MLS seasons since its 2020 expansion.

Formerly, Mackay worked as a player agent for London-based Stellar Group.

United and Nashville SC officials declined to comment.

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Mackay will assume the most prominent position on United’s technical side, responsible for establishing team culture and leading the search for a new head coach following Wayne Rooney’s departure in October.

In essence, Mackay will replace Dave Kasper, the current United’s sporting director and president of soccer operations, and will report directly to the chief executive Jason Levien according to multiple people familiar with the plans.

United interviewed several other candidates from MLS teams, as well as executives from European and Mexican clubs.

The upcoming season will mark the 20th anniversary of the club’s last MLS Cup title, with United aiming to reverse its recent lackluster performance.

Mackay is expected to engage in discussions about possible coaching candidates, identify new players, and make strategic decisions to boost United’s performance in the upcoming season.