Wayne Rooney : Former England star responds to 'disrespectful' MLS critics as he takes over D.C. United

D.C. United have hired Wayne Rooney as the club's new manager, the club confirmed, as the England icon heads to MLS for the next stop on his coaching journey. Rooney had previously played for D.C. United in 2018 and 2019 before leaving the club to join Derby County.

The former Manchester United star originally starred as a player for Derby before taking over as a coach, nearly keeping the club in the Championship despite a nearly impossible challenge presented by financial problems.

"I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league," Rooney said when asked if moving to MLS was a step back in his career.

"I feel the experience I gained at Derby County over the past 18 months has been great in my development as a manager and to come back here to the MLS, to D.C. United, was an exciting challenge for me.

"I feel I can develop here as a coach, but also the team need to improve. That's obvious for everyone to see. I really believe with my capabilities of developing young players that we can get this club back to successful ways again.

"It's going to take a lot of hard work but I'm here to do it and really improve the team."

He added: "As a player, playing at the top level you could really choose which club you want to go to.

"As a manager I'm at the beginning of that journey — I have to put the work, the hours in…One day I want to manage at the top level. And this is part of that process."

After a stint at boyhood club Everton, Rooney came to D.C. in June 2018 and was handed the captain's armband just three games into his time with the club.

His first season was headlined by a now-famous tackle and assist against Orlando City, with the moment symbolizing D.C.'s return to relevance thanks to Rooney after several down years.

When all was said and done, he amassed 25 goals in 58 appearances before heading to Derby as a player-coach.

The 2021-22 season began with a 21-point deduction, all but dooming Derby to relegation. However, despite the inability to make signings, Derby finished within seven points of safety.

Rooney stepped down from his role in June after saying he would only stay with the club if new owners were found to improve the club's financial situation.