Wayne Rooney has been named the head coach of Major League Soccer’s DC United.
It’s Rooney’s second management job after that leave Derby last month – guided the club through administration and relegation to League One.
The England and Manchester United record goalscorer, 36, spent 18 months at DC United and captained the side.
DC United said Rooney is “one of the most exciting and dynamic up and coming managers in our sport”.
Co-chairs Jason Levien and Steve Kaplan added in a statement: “He has already proven in his young coaching career that he knows how to lead a group through adversity.
“Having been with us for two years as a player has given him an understanding of our league and what it takes to be successful in Major League Soccer.
“The passion he showed while wearing black and red has electrified our city and club and we are delighted to welcome him back as our head coach.”
DC United have been without a manager since April, bottom of the Eastern Conference and were beaten 7-0 by the Philadelphia Union on Friday.
Interim head coach Chad Ashton will lead the team until Rooney receives his work visa.
Rooney spent 18 months in Washington before joining Derby as player-manager in January 2020, scoring 23 goals in 48 MLS games.
He was put in charge of the team on an interim basis in November of that year with the club’s end of the championship after they parted ways with Phillip Cocu.
Rooney was confirmed in office three months later on a two-and-a-half-year contract, a decision that prompted him to confirm his retirement as a player.
Derby entered administration in September 2021 and were relegated from the Championship last season after docking 21 points throughout the season.
The former Everton striker, who made his professional debut for the Toffees in August 2002 aged just 16, left Derby on 24 June.
“Wayne is a winner and a competitor. His work ethic and the demands he places on himself and his players are second to none,” said Dave Kasper, DC United’s President of Soccer Operations.
“Wayne’s approach to the game and the style of football he wants to play fits our philosophy and we believe he is the right person to take our club forward.”
