Wayne Rooney Issues Scathing Statement to English Media, Hours After Taking DC United Job

Wayne Rooney Issues Scathing Statement to English Media, Hours After Taking DC United Job

Rene Otinga
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:06 PM
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  • Rooney found it disrespectful that there were suggestions his move to DC United was a downgrade
  • The United legend has agreed to take over as manager of the MLS club, months after leaving Derby county
  • As a player, Rooney spent 18 months at DC United

Wayne Rooney has come out to deny the notion that taking the DC United job was a backward step in his managerial career.

On Tuesday, July 12, it was confirmed that the Manchester United legend would take over at DC United in what will be his second managerial stint after Derby County.

In the events leading up to taking the job, Rooney revealed he talked to his wife about it and things progressed quickly afterwards.

Rooney, DC United, Derby county
Rooney poses with club staff, management, and players during a press conference where it was announced that he will be the new head coach of Major League Soccer's DC United. Photo by ROBERTO SCHMIDT.
Source: Getty Images

He was however critical of sections of English media, who came out with suggestions that his new role was a backward step.

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"I've seen a few articles, certainly back in England, on this being a possible backward step in my managerial career," Rooney said as quoted by BBC.
"I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league."

According to Rooney, 36, his plan was to take a break from management after Derby County, but then DC United reached out.

"There were a few other clubs - both in England and in Europe - who got in touch. My plan really was to, after Derby County, take a bit of a break and then see what comes up.”
"Once my agent called and said DC had come in, it was quite quick really - probably within 24 hours."

Rooney has some experience at DC United as he spent 18 months at the club as a player after leaving English football.

His most memorable moment was when he came up with an incredible solo effort for DC United against Orlando City in 2018.

With the scores locked at 2-2, DC United was on the verge of being punished from a devastating counterattack with the keeper off his goal, but Rooney tracked back to win the ball before the attack could materialize.

He went on to lay up an assist in the same move for his side to score the winner.

Solskjaer turns down managerian job

Elsewhere, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has reportedly turned down the chance to manage at the World Cup in Qatar.

According to reports, the Iran national team wants to offer Solskjaer a managerial lifeline as the country’s FA is impressed by the ex-Man United boss’ profile.

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Rene Otinga
Rene Otinga is a sports journalist with over eight years of working experience in digital media. Rene's experience includes working as a Copywriter at X News Kenya and TUKO.co.ke.
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