Wayne Rooney is all set to take the helm for D.C. United on Sunday.
Interim head coach Chad Ashton revealed Rooney has gotten his work visa authorized, permitting him to take over and lead his first match for D.C. United on Sunday against Orlando City SC.
Though the Black-and-Red first employed Rooney on July 12, he watched from the sidelines amid ongoing paperwork. Ashton remained in cost for the three league matches after Rooney’s announcement, sustaining his publish as interim head coach for the reason that dismissal of Hernan Losada on April 20.
In the brand new set-up, Ashton will revert to his unique assistant function.
“He’ll be patrolling the sidelines this weekend and we’re looking forward to that,” Ashton mentioned within the press convention. “A little more normalcy involved.”
Rooney’s coming in after beforehand teaching Derby County in England’s second division, serving to them keep away from relegation within the 2020/21 season earlier than a factors deduction closely contributed to their drop within the 2021/22 marketing campaign.
But he’s in for a problem as D.C. United sit backside of the Eastern Conference desk with 18 factors in 20 matches after a disappointing begin to the 2022 season. The group has gained solely 5 video games thus far, shedding 12 and drawing three.
Rooney hopes to make an instantaneous influence, beginning with modifications to the roster. The Secondary Transfer Window has welcomed Miguel Berry, Ravel Morrison and Victor Palsson, whereas departing with proper wingback Julian Gressel.
With simply 14 regular-season video games to go, D.C. United nonetheless has the potential for turning issues round.
