On July 12, 2022, D.C. United announced Wayne Rooney would be the club’s new Head Coach with his first official match in charge coming on July 31 against Orlando City SC.

Rooney joined D.C. United in June 2018 as a Designated Player. During his time with the Black-and-Red, Rooney appeared in 48 matches, scored 23 goals and assisted 15 others. He was voted MLS Best XI in 2018, an All-Star in 2019, and was an MLS MVP finalist in 2018.

The 36-year-old was appointed as the full-time Manager of Derby County in January 2021 following a successful stint as Interim Player-Manager where he navigated the club from the bottom of the English Championship table to safety, avoiding relegation by three points. Prior to his first full season in charge of Derby County, the club were given a 21-point deduction by the Football Association for admitting to breaches of Profitability and Sustainability. Despite this disadvantage, Rooney guided the club to a record of 14-13-19, totaling 55 points, which would have been enough to secure safety in the Championship for another season if not for the point reduction. Rooney resigned as Manager of Derby County on June 24, 2022.

As a professional, Rooney’s playing career began in the English Premier League on August 17, 2002 when he made his senior debut for Everton FC and assisted a goal helping the Toffees to a 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur. At 18 years old after two seasons with Everton, Rooney joined Manchester United in a record transfer deal ($35 million) where he played 13 seasons and scored 208 Premier League goals in 491 appearances, which is second best all-time, only behind Alan Shearer (260). During his time in Manchester, Rooney captured 16 major trophies, including five Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League in 2008, and the FA Cup in 2006. On the international stage, Rooney holds the record for the most-capped field player in England history (120) and is also the all-time leader in goals for The Three Lions (53). He appeared in three World Cups (2006, 2010, and 2014), as well as three UEFA European Championships (2004, 2012, and 2016), and captained his country 24 times across all competitions.