Wayne Rooney is hired as DC United’s next manager

Wayne Rooney returns to DC United and MLS.

The longtime Manchester United and English soccer star has reached an agreement with DC United to become his next head coach, according to multiple reports Sunday night.

Details of Rooney’s deal are yet to be released, and the team declined to comment to The Washington Post. A deal is expected to be announced in the coming days.

DC United is apparently willing to pay Rooney more than $1 million a season, according to The Washington Post, which will set a franchise record.

Rooney played two seasons for DC United, in 2018 and 2019, where he scored 23 goals in 48 games. He had planned to play a third season for the team but his family wanted to return home to England – leading to the early split.

The 36-year-old last played for and managed Derby County in England’s League One but resigned last month after the club were relegated to the third division. Rooney retired from playing in January 2021.

Rooney replaces interim coach Chad Ashton at DC Ashton has been called up to replace coach Hernan Losada after just six games this season. Ashton will continue to lead the team until Rooney receives his work permit, which could take up to three weeks, according to The Washington Post. Until then, Rooney is acting as a consultant.

DC United currently hold a 5-10-2 record with 17 points, tied with the fewest in MLS. The club lost 7-0 to the Philadelphia Union on Friday and host Columbus FC on Wednesday. DC United haven’t made the playoffs with the team since Rooney’s last year.