Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney has left his post as the manager of MLS side DC United. After serving 15 years as the coach Rooney left without any new job at hand. Hence, he is now open to new jobs and his interest in coaching European clubs could see him back in England. There have been rumours that John Eustace could leave Birmingham City. Reportedly, considering that Birmingham City owners admire Rooney, the vacant post could go to him in Eustace’s absence.
The MLS side DC United played their last match of the season yesterday with a 2-0 win against New York City. With no hopes of getting into the play-offs, as DC United ended their season, they parted ways with their head coach Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United and England legend left his post by mutual consent with the club. It was final beforehand that Rooney would leave after spending 15 months at the club. However, he never said anything about his new destination when he was asked.
When asked about it, he said, “The contract situation, it is what it is, and that can wait until the end of the season. Unfortunately, I can’t stop speculation, that happens, but my only focus is to try and get D.C. United into the playoffs.” After he left the club, he was asked again about his new destination. Rooney said, “What lies ahead, I don’t know. I’ve seen a lot of reports in the media. I’m going back with nothing lined up.”
As per reports, current Birmingham City coach John Eustace is set to leave the club. Eustace has done an incredible job with the Championship club. Several clubs are tracking him and he could choose to leave the club. In that case, Birmingham City owners could choose Rooney as Eustace’s successor. The club’s American owners Knighthead Capital which is led by NFL icon Tom Brady, and Tom Wagner admire Rooney. Hence, he is at the top of their list if the position of their head coach becomes vacant soon.
It has even been rumoured that if Rooney does move back to England, he will reportedly bring John O’Shea and Ashley Cole with him to Birmingham City. Rooney has always been interested in coaching European clubs. During the summer break, when he coached the MLS all-star team to play against Arsenal, he revealed his wishes. He said, “Occasions like the All-Star Game remind me why I chose to continue my journey as a coach here in MLS. My aspiration is to manage at an elite European club someday.”
He added, “In those environments, you’re working with very diverse teams, with elite professionals from all over the world. I’ve found I could actually get that experience here, which helps me a lot. At DC United, for example, we’ve got players from more than a dozen nations, representing different cultures, religions, and backgrounds. So there’s different challenges and lessons to be gained from that, and working with the All-Stars, the very best MLS has to offer, adds to that immensely.”
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