Wayne Rooney to Leave DC United, Join Derby County in Player-Coach Role
Aug 6, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United in action in the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
DC United confirmed on Tuesday he will depart the club at the end of the 2019 MLS season:
“I remain fully focused on giving my all for the team for the rest of this season and repaying the support shown by the Black-and-Red faithful by hopefully delivering an MLS Cup to Audi Field.”
Derby announced there will be the option of a further year in his contract.
Rooney, 33, joined the MLS side in June 2018 from Everton, penning a three-and-a-half-year deal.
He has largely impressed in the United States, netting 23 goals in 43 league appearances for the Washington, D.C. outfit.
Per BBC Sport's Simon Stone, at last week's MLS All-Stars match against Atletico Madrid, Rooney spoke about his coaching aspirations:
"It's something which I want to stay involved in; [my coaching badges] are going well. I'm obviously still a player, and I want to continue to play. When the time is right I can go into coaching or management."
Rooney should be a major asset at Derby as they look to earn promotion to the Premier League.
He is no longer at the peak of his powers, but the former Manchester United forward has displayed his knack for goalscoring in MLS.
As United and England's all-time record goalscorer, Derby could hardly have hoped to add a player with more experience to their side.
The Rams gave Frank Lampard his first senior management role last season, and he led them to the play-off final before departing to take over Chelsea.
Phillip Cocu was appointed as Lampard's successor, and Rooney will join his team of coaches as well as his playing staff.
Wayne Rooney Reportedly in Talks with Derby County About Player-Coach Role
Aug 5, 2019
WASHINGTON, DC - AUGUST 04: Wayne Rooney #9 of D.C. United passes the ball in the second half against the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field on August 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
According to the Telegraph's James Ducker, he would work under current manager Phillip Cocu, who replaced Chelsea boss Frank Lampard in the summer.
Rooney previously talked about his desire to become a manager after his playing days are over, per Ducker:
"I'm taking the steps to get my badges completed and when I finish playing I'll see what opportunities come up. There's already offers which have been made, but at the minute I'm still a player and I want to enjoy playing, and then I'll see which offers are right when I do finish."
The 33-year-old left England for MLS in 2018, finding immediate success with DC United. He scored 12 goals in 21 matches in his debut season and was voted team MVP. This tremendous effort was arguably his top moment of the campaign:
According to Ducker, he's contracted to DC United until 2020.
His strong play in MLS would indicate he could still be an effective option up front for Derby, who qualified for the play-offs last season before losing to Aston Villa in the final. His experience at the top level could be what pushes the Rams over the top and into the Premier League.
Player-coaches are rare in football, but not unheard of. Vincent Kompany left Premier League champions Manchester City for a similar role with boyhood club Anderlecht in the summer.
MLS All-Star Game 2019: Live Stream, TV Guide and Final Predictions
Jul 31, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CA - MAY 24: Carlos Vela #10 of Los Angeles FC during Los Angeles FC's MLS match against Montreal Impact at the Banc of California Stadium on May 24, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. Los Angeles FC won the match 4-2. (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Carlos Vela and Nani will lead the best of Major League Soccer in the 2019 All-Star game against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Atleti will arrive in Orlando, Florida, in stellar form having recently put seven past neighbours Real Madrid. The squad has been boosted by the arrivals of Benfica forward Joao Felix and Tottenham Hotspur right-back Kieran Trippier, both of whom are set to be involved.
Diego Simeone's squad is among the finest in European football, but few MLS All-Star rosters have been this strong at both ends of the pitch.
Aside from the marquee names up front, goalkeeper Brad Guzan, former Bayern Munich linchpin Bastian Schweinsteiger and Mexico international Jonathan dos Santos ensure defence and midfield have the required quality.
The headlines have belonged to Ibrahimovic and Vela this season. Both were in prolific form during El Trafico recently, when Ibrahimovic netted a hat-trick to help L.A. Galaxy beat Vela's Los Angeles FC 3-2.
While Ibrahimovic stole the show, Vela still bagged a brace and has since taken his impressive tally so far this season to 22. The former Arsenal and Real Sociedad man has revived his career in MLS and deservedly skippers the All-Stars.
Vela's performances have sparked something of a war of words with decorated veteran Ibrahimovic.
The 37-year-old didn't pull any punches when asked about comparisons between himself and Vela:
Zlatan Ibrahimović was asked if he was the best player in MLS, despite Carlos Vela's 19 goals and 12 assists this season.
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) July 18, 2019
For his part, Vela has said there is no issue with Ibrahimovic, despite the latter upstaging him in the derby, per Tom Bogert of the MLS official website: "I don't have any problem (with Ibrahimovic). We'll play together, we come here to have fun."
While Vela and Ibrahimovic will give the Atletico defence plenty to worry about, the La Liga side shouldn't forget about Rooney. The ex-Everton and Manchester United's star's foray into MLS has been largely overshadowed by his more prolific teammates, but Rooney is still providing moments of class for D.C. United:
A return of 11 goals and six assists so far this season underlines the 33-year-old's enduring quality.
Rooney still possesses the vision and technique to outshine Ibrahimovic and Vela. His subtle movement and shooting power, and supply from former United teammate and Orlando City SC winger Nani, will prove the All-Stars' best route to goal.
Improved Strikeforce Will Give Atleti the Win
Often viewed as a defensive outfit during Simeone's tenure, Atletico have worked hard to improve the attacking potential of the team. Felix was acquired for €120 million, while Alvaro Morata will make his loan stay from Chelsea a permanent switch next summer.
They have joined Diego Costa, who scored four against Real before being sent off after a violent scuffle with Dani Carvajal, to form a potent forward line. This group can expect better supply after the arrivals of El Tri playmaker Hector Herrera from Porto on a free transfer, along with Marcos Llorente, a technically gifted holding player who was shrewdly acquired from Los Blancos.
Atletico offered proof of their more fluid attack by taking Real apart 7-3 in the 2019 International Champions Cup at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium:
While Atleti will be put under pressure early, expect the team from the Spanish capital to eventually find enough goals to emerge victorious from an entertaining affair.
Prediction: All-Stars 2-4 Atletico Madrid
Wayne Rooney Advises Jadon Sancho to Stay at Borussia Dortmund Amid Rumours
Jul 7, 2019
MOENCHENGLADBACH, GERMANY - MAY 18: Jadon Malik Sancho of Borussia Dortmund and Axel Witsel of Borussia Dortmund gesture after the Bundesliga match between Borussia Moenchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund at Borussia-Park on May 18, 2019 in Moenchengladbach, Germany. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has told England star Jadon Sancho to stay at Borussia Dortmund if that's where he'll receive the best playing opportunities, despite rumours linking the youngster to former club Manchester United.
Sancho, 19, left Manchester City for Dortmund in 2017 and has blossomed in the Bundesliga. His displays have reportedly attracted the attention of United among others, but Rooney told Bild (h/t Goal's Tom Maston) his compatriot should snub a Premier League return if it meant taking a cut in minutes:
"Dortmund is a great club with great fans, they trust their young players and you can see that in Sancho and the progress he has made in the last 12 months.
"Now Jadon has to ask himself whether he would get the playing time he gets in Dortmund when he moves to England, or would he just sit on the bench?
"Playing time is so important for a young player like Jadon, so if he gets the most playing time in Dortmund, he should stay there."
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Now a growing presence in Gareth Southgate's England squad and an integral member at the Westfalenstadion, Sancho has thrived in the senior responsibilities afforded to him by Dortmund:
Rooney, 33, is honest in his assessment, which hints at the genuine concern he holds for his countryman and one going through a similar experience to him as a young English sensation.
The all-time top scorer for United (253 goals) and England (53) was only 16 when he first broke onto the scene at Everton. Rooney joined the Red Devils at 18 and is currently enjoying his second campaign with D.C. United in Major League Soccer.
Many at Old Trafford would likely welcome Sancho, with Alexis Sanchez having struggled to impress and other makeshift wingers not up to the same standard as the Dortmund technician.
Sancho sat among elite company last season in terms of goal production among youngsters, per Statman Dave:
Across Europe’s top five leagues last season, only four U25 players scored and assisted in double digits:
Dortmund chief executive officer Hans-Joachim Watzke also recently ruled out a Sancho sale this summer and told Bild (h/t Richard Fay of the Manchester Evening News): "It can be assumed that Jadon will not play more than ten years at BVB. But we have clear agreements about the present. Jadon is not on the market and plays next season guaranteed at Borussia Dortmund."
Watzke's comments acknowledge that a transfer away will likely come in future, but Dortmund appear certain that won't be in 2019.
BVB have signed several promising attacking recruits in Julian Brandt and Thorgan Hazard this summer, while Paco Alcacer has also arrived permanently to form a new-look front line, via DW Sports:
Borussia Dortmund's attacking options:
Marco Reus Jadon Sancho Mario Götze Julian Brandt Thorgan Hazard Paco Alcacer
Rooney may be aiding United in the long run considering Sancho could be closer to the finished article when a move becomes more realistic, but his allegiances are clearly to the player first and his old club after that.
Wayne Rooney Says Louis van Gaal Is 'By Far the Best Coach I Have Worked With'
Jun 30, 2019
Manchester United's Dutch manager Louis van Gaal (R) talks to Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney ahead of the English FA Cup final football match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Wembley stadium in London on May 21, 2016. / AFP / IAN KINGTON / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo credit should read IAN KINGTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has identified Louis van Gaal as the best coach he has played for, rather than Sir Alex Ferguson.
The D.C. United star spent the bulk of his career with Manchester United, where he enjoyed plenty of success during 13 years under Ferguson and two under Van Gaal, but it was the latter who had the biggest impact on him.
Rooney toldDe Telegraaf (h/t Goal's Joshua Kane): "Van Gaal is by far the best coach I have worked with—one hundred per cent. His tactical skills, his way of preparing and his attention to the finest of details, I found amazing. I admired that in him. I had never looked at stuff like that before."
Rooney has spent the last year with D.C. United, where he is rolling back the years:
The 33-year-old is hoping to pursue a career in management when he hangs up his boots, and he said his time with Van Gaal will help:
"Van Gaal knows that the way he works is tough for players. I made him aware of that at the time and we talked about this very well together.
"I regret how it all ended, yet I know one thing for sure—I have learnt a lot from him and I am definitely going to use those lessons for when I am a manager."
Rooney's comments might raise some eyebrows given Ferguson is one of the most successful managers of all time.
The forward won five Premier League titles under the Scot and reached the UEFA Champions League final three times, winning once.
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By contrast, Van Gaal's two-year stint at Old Trafford was not particularly successful.
In his first season the Red Devils finished fourth with 70 points. They won the FA Cup in his second, but came fifth with 66 points, having netted just 49 goals.
The Dutchman has enjoyed a great deal of success in his coaching career, though.
He has won a league title with every club he's managed aside from United; seven in total at Ajax, Barcelona, AZ Alkmaar and Bayern Munich. He has also won the Champions League among several other honours.
While he may not have been successful in coaxing attractive football out of his United side, Van Gaal was able to do so at Ajax and Barca—two clubs famous for adhering to aesthetically pleasing, technical play.
If Rooney does indeed move into management, it's the 67-year-old Dutchman he'll clearly be looking to emulate.
Wayne Rooney Gives Advice to Aaron Wan-Bissaka Amid United Transfer Rumours
Jun 27, 2019
CESENA, ITALY - JUNE 18: Aaron Wan-Bissaka of England looks on prior to the 2019 UEFA U-21 Championship Group C match between England and France at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on June 18, 2019 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by TF-Images/Getty Images)
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney has told Aaron Wan-Bissaka to "enjoy" his time at Old Trafford ahead of his transfer from Crystal Palace.
The defender is set to sign for the Red Devils in a deal worth £50 million, per BBC Sport's David Ornstein. As part of the transfer, Wan-Bissaka will reportedly sign a contract worth £80,000 per week, which is a significant increase on the £10,000 weekly salary he takes home with the Eagles.
Rooney, who moved to United in 2004 as an 18-year-old, was asked about the deal and offered some words of advice to the youngster ahead of the switch, per Sean Kearns of Metro.
"Enjoy it," said the DC United star. "Play with no fear. Manchester United's a fantastic club. One of, if not the best football club in the world. You have to embrace it, embrace the culture of United. Learn the history and do your best. I'm sure he'll be fine. The coaches there will be telling him all of this."
Here's more of what Rooney had to say:
"It is one of the biggest clubs in the world" 🌎
Wayne Rooney has some advice for Manchester United-bound Aaron Wan-Bissaka
Rooney scored a hat-trick on his debut and went on to become the club's all-time record goalscorer. In 13 years with the club, he won the UEFA Champions League, five Premier League titles and one FA Cup.
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While the 33-year-old is past his peak, in Major League Soccer he's still thriving. Rooney spoke about Wan-Bissaka after he scored an incredible winning goal in DC United's 1-0 win over Orlando City on Wednesday:
For Wan-Bissaka, the move to Manchester may be a culture shock, as his ability will be subject to intensified scrutiny following such a high-profile switch.
There will be pressure on all the United players to perform in 2019-20. The team staggered to a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League last term, with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seeing the momentum drift away from his team following a bright start to his tenure. Fourteen victories in seventeen games was followed by two wins from their final 12.
However, the signs are that Wan-Bissaka will be a hit at Old Trafford. After being introduced into the Palace first team late in 2017-18, he took to life in the Premier League with ease; in 2018/19, he established himself as one of the best full-backs in the division.
Scouted Football summed up how varied Wan-Bissaka's game is:
Aaron Wan-Bissaka made the third-most tackles and completed the 10th-most dribbles in the Premier League last season.
• 129 of 139 tackles made • 61 of 90 dribbles completed
At United, he will be tasked with marrying his defensive quality with more of an attacking threat given the Red Devils will have the majority of possession in most of their top-flight matches.
As Rooney noted, the players who embrace life at Old Trafford tend to thrive, and it will be intriguing to see whether Wan-Bissaka can do so in his first season at the club. Regardless, at the age of 21, the talented defender is a long way from being the finished product.
Video: D.C. United's Wayne Rooney Scores Stunning Goal from Beyond Midfield
Jun 26, 2019
D.C. United's Wayne Rooney moves the ball against Orlando City during the second half of an MLS soccer match, Sunday, March 31, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The 33-year-old signed a designated-player contract with D.C. in June of last year. Previously, Rooney became one of the most decorated footballers in history with the England national team as well as Everton and Manchester United in the English Premier League.
Rooney's 208 Premier League goals rank second all-time behind Alan Shearer (260), according to MLS.com.
Rooney brought that scoring prowess stateside.
Wednesday night's dazzling goal is Rooney's ninth of this season and 21st since joining MLS.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney Headline 26-Man 2019 MLS All-Star Game Roster
Jun 24, 2019
CARSON, CA - JUNE 2: Zlatan Ibrahimovic #9 of Los Angeles Galaxy during the Los Angeles Galaxy's MLS match against New England Revolution at the Dignity Health Sports Park on June 2, 2019 in Carson, California. New England Revolution won the match 2-1 (Photo by Shaun Clark/Getty Images)
LA Galaxy's Zlatan Ibrahimovic and DC United striker Wayne Rooney will headline a 26-player MLS all-star roster for their game against Atletico Madrid at Orlando City's Exploria Stadium on July 31:
All-Stars coach James O'Connor then selected a further 13 players, while MLS commissioner Don Garber picked the last two stars.
Garber went for 19-year-old FC Dallas starlet Paxton Pomykal and veteran Real Salt Lake goalkeeper Nick Rimando, who has announced his intention to retire at the end of the season:
Atlanta United have the most players in the roster with Leandro Gonzalez Pirez, Ezequiel Barco and Gonzalo Martinez joining Guzan, while Los Angeles FC are next with three.
A number of players took to social media to offer thanks for being selected:
The team will take on 10-time La Liga champions Atletico Madrid and will hope to improve on recent results against top European sides.
The All-Stars lost to Juventus on penalties in 2018 after a 1-1 draw and were also beaten by Real Madrid on spot-kicks after another stalemate in 2017.
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Atletico Madrid have a squad packed full of star names such as Diego Costa, Alvaro Morata and Marcos Llorente but will be without Antoine Griezmann after he announced he would leave the club in the summer transfer window.
Manchester United Players 'Need to Fear' Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Says Wayne Rooney
May 17, 2019
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MAY 12: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United acknowledges the fans following his side's defeat during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Cardiff City at Old Trafford on May 12, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney says the current crop of players must begin to "fear" manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for the team to be successful again.
Rooney, United's all-time top scorer, spoke after United finished sixth in the Premier League with 66 points, the fourth time in six seasons they've failed to reach 70.
He said on The Wayne Rooney Podcast (h/t MailOnline's Adrian Kajumba): "I think the players need to fear someone. They need to fear Ole Gunnar. They need to fear Michael Carrick. They need to respect them but fear them also."
The DC United forward said the players need to take more responsibility, and he also said he finds it "remarkable" they advertise their brands on social media following defeats:
"When fans speak up on it and say 'why are you posting that?' they always have the marketing people to blame [but] take responsibility.
"They work for you. Those marketing people work for you. I have people who do similar stuff for me and they never do anything without my instructions.
"If that is what you're doing, you're sitting at the top of that business. You have to take responsibility for them.
"These players almost always like to find someone to hide behind, whether that is on their social media or on the football pitch and that's what they are doing."
Solskjaer replaced Jose Mourinho in December after United took just 26 points from 17 Premier League games under the Portuguese manager.
The Norwegian was a breath of fresh air compared to Mourinho's man-management, tactical approach and dealings with the media, and the players evidently responded as they won 14 of his first 17 matches in charge in all competitions.
Bleacher Report's Rob Blanchette wants to see change at Old Trafford ahead of next season, including Solskjaer's management and leadership of the team:
#MUFC needs to be less of a soap opera and more of a football team. That starts with the coach: His tactics and his philosophy. The way he leads the players and supporters. Chelsea friends told me Jose's leadership skills were zero under pressure. And they were correct.
The 46-year-old's positive approach yielded impressive short-term results, but for United to improve long-term, he needs to find the right balance of relating with his players and maintaining authority over them.
As Rooney noted, the players also need to take responsibility for their own performances, too, as few—if any—of them played to their potential this season.
Mourinho got 81 points in his last full campaign in charge with largely the same personnel.
Given Manchester City and Liverpool got 98 and 97 points respectively this season, that tally likely won't be enough to mount a sustained title challenge next season, but it would at least put them back on an upward trajectory and give them an excellent chance of a top-four finish.
United will need their summer recruits to hit the ground running for that to happen, but they'll also require improved showings from the players who remain at Old Trafford over the summer.
Wayne Rooney Says Louis van Gaal Better Tactically Than Sir Alex Ferguson
Mar 22, 2019
Manchester United's Dutch manager Louis van Gaal (R) talks with Manchester United's English striker Wayne Rooney during a team training session in Manchester, north west England, on November 24, 2015, ahead of their UEFA Champions League Group B football match against PSV Eindhoven on November 25. AFP PHOTO / OLI SCARFF / AFP / OLI SCARFF (Photo credit should read OLI SCARFF/AFP/Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney has said Louis van Gaal was the most tactically adept coach he worked with during his career, despite spending nine seasons under managerial legend Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United.
Van Gaal recently announced his retirement from football, and Rooney said on TalkSport's drivetime show that the Dutchman was tactically impressive despite spending only two seasons at Old Trafford:
“It didn't work for David Moyes and they [Manchester United] then went for the experience of Louis van Gaal.
“He was tactically the best I have worked with—in terms of setting you up in a shape defensively and everyone knowing their roles.
“It was just about getting the attacking side right as well as the defensive side.
“He won a few trophies but it didn't pan out the way everyone would have hoped.”
After leaving his post as Netherlands coach following the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Van Gaal replaced Moyes as United coach. The Red Devils failed to win a trophy during his first season, but Van Gaal signed off his stint by clinching the FA Cup just prior to his departure in 2016, which ended up being the final title of his career.
Along with that FA Cup triumph, the former Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax coach will be remembered in England for producing memorable soundbites and touchline drama, via Soccer AM:
Happy retirement to the one and only Louis Van Gaal. He’s made us laugh a lot over the years 😆 pic.twitter.com/hefMszYfT6
There was criticism regarding Van Gaal's reign as United chief at the time, with some feeling his methods were too defensive and didn't align with the club's attacking philosophies.
In Moyes' single Premier League campaign as United manager, the team scored 64 goals and finished sixth in the table. They scored two fewer goals in 2014-15 as Van Gaal brought the club back to fourth and shored up their defence, though a fifth-place finish while scoring only 49 goals the following season led to his sacking.
Jose Mourinho was brought in as his replacement, although United are enjoying much better results under his successor, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who took over in December.
The Independent noted at the time of Solskjaer's appointment that Van Gaal's win ratio was the worst of any permanent manager to have been named since Ferguson departed:
Manchester United managers since Sir Alex Ferguson left the club:
David Moyes: P51, 52.94 win % Ryan Giggs: P4, 50% Louis van Gaal: P103, 52.43% Jose Mourinho: P144, 58.33% pic.twitter.com/1LV0Qa8FMZ
Van Gaal was particularly attuned with his youth options throughout his career and cultivated a reputation as a manager willing to give young players their chances in the first team. It was he who handed Marcus Rashford his debut at United, but Van Gaal was also responsible for giving the likes of Andres Iniesta, Patrick Kluivert, Xavi, Clarence Seedorf and Carles Puyol their professional breakthroughs.
Ferguson reigned for 27 years at the Theatre of Dreams and won 38 trophies—including 13 Premier League titles. It's a record that can't be tarnished, and it suggests tactics aren't the only key to victory.
