‘I really think that’s a bit disrespectful to this league’: Wayne Rooney insists his return to DC United is NOT a step backwards, amid criticism of his latest management seat, with the Manchester United legend adamant he will develop as a coach in the MLS
Wayne Rooney was confirmed as DC United’s new head coach earlier this week
The ex-Man Utd and England star ended his tumultuous Derby spell last month
Now he has returned to the MLS for another stint with DC, this time as a coach
Some believe his return to the United States represents a career regression
But Rooney has hit back at critics, insisting he would get better as a coach at DC
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Wayne Rooney has criticized ‘disrespectful’ critics who feel his move to DC United is a step backwards in his managerial career, instead insisting he can develop as a coach in the MLS.
Rooney, 36, ended his difficult stint as Derby boss this summer following their relegation to League One, after receiving critical acclaim last season for his work amid the club’s financial troubles off the pitch.
And as Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Friday, the Manchester United legend was lining up for a shocking return to DC United, who confirmed him as their new head coach earlier this week.
Wayne Rooney has criticized critics who feel his move to DC United represents a step backwards
After taking a second-division job at Derby, many feel that Rooney’s return to DC – where he previously enjoyed a brief stint as a player – is a step backwards in his attempt to ever succeed in the Premier League.
But when asked about this opinion, he gave a stern response to his opponents, saying: ‘I really think that’s a bit disrespectful to this competition. I feel that the experience I have gained over the last 18 months at Derby County has been great for my development as a manager and to return here to the MLS, to DC United, has been an exciting challenge for me.
‘I have the feeling that I can develop as a coach here, but the team also needs to improve. That is clear for everyone to see. I really believe that with my ability to develop young players, we can make this club successful again.
Rooney was confirmed as DC United’s new head coach earlier this week following his departure from Derby
The Man United legend has been praised for his work at Derby amid the club’s financial troubles
“It will take a lot of work, but I’m here to do it and really improve the team.”
Then he added: “As a top-level player you can really choose which club you want to go to.
“As a manager I am at the beginning of that journey – I have to put in the work, the hours… One day I want to lead at the highest level. And this is part of that process.’
The Washington Post reported last week that once his visa application to formally take up work in the United States is finalized, Rooney will sign a multi-year contract worth $1 million (£830,000) per year with DC.
But Rooney firmly believes that a return to MLS will help him develop further as a coach
He will inherit a team in disarray, with the club second bottom in the MLS Eastern Conference after winning just five of 17 games so far this season.
The former England captain enjoyed considerable success during his stint with DC, scoring 25 goals in 52 games while sprucing up the Washington-based outfit, although his family struggled to adjust to life in the United States.
Rooney’s wife Coleen may have been reluctant to return to America after declaring that Washington “stands quite behind the UK” during her husband’s previous stint in the country.
In texts to Rebekah Vardy in 2018, which were revealed earlier this year amid the Wagatha Christie feud, Coleen said, “Hiya, I hope you have a great week [well]† We’re okay, but it’s hard to be alone.”
During his stint with DC, Rooney’s wife Coleen claimed that Washington is ‘behind the UK’
She added: ‘Washington isn’t the best….nice to visit, but different to live. Not much to do for the kids, mostly park, hardly any soft play and stuff like that.
“It is quite behind the UK, which I would never have done though. But we’ll get used to it (I hope).
“Wayne loves it, and the kids are doing well, going straight to school. So really glad they are ok. Thanks for the message dear xx.’