D.C. United hiring Nashville SC’s Ally Mackay as GM: Sources

D.C. United is on the verge of finalizing a deal to appoint Ally Mackay, the assistant general manager of Nashville SC, as their new GM and chief soccer officer, according to sources familiar with the decision. The news was first reported by The Washington Post, which revealed United’s intention to bring in Mackay. The Athletic had previously reported on the club’s interest in Mackay back in early October.

Since parting ways with Lucy Rushton at the end of the 2022 season, DCU has been without a GM. Lucy Rushton has since moved on to become the GM at NWSL side Bay FC. Although the club’s president of soccer operations and sporting director, Dave Kasper, is expected to continue with the club in a reduced capacity, Mackay will be the primary decision-maker on the soccer side.

Mackay’s immediate challenge will be to fill the managerial vacancy at D.C. United, following the departure of former coach Wayne Rooney to English Championship side Birmingham City. Even with the sixth-highest payroll in Major League Soccer, United has failed to qualify for postseason play in the last four seasons.

With an open designated player spot behind forward Christian Benteke and midfielder Mateusz Klich, Mackay has the opportunity to reshape the squad as he sees fit.

Prior to joining the Nashville front office, Mackay worked as an agent. Nashville had hoped to retain Mackay but was willing to let him interview for a job promotion at another club.

Aside from Mackay, D.C. United also interviewed several other candidates, including Orlando City technical director Ricardo Moreira and Columbus Crew assistant GM Issa Tall.

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