MLS
DC United Announce Wayne Rooney Signing
Washington, DC – English star Wayne Rooney has arrived in the nation’s capital, Washington, DC. DC United welcomed Rooney with a video on Twitter. In addition, they sent out a press released that confirm he would be coming on a permanent transfer from English side Everton.
“It is fantastic to be joining D.C. United at such an exciting time in the club’s history with the new stadium opening in just a few weeks,” Wayne Rooney said. “Moving to America and MLS fulfills another career ambition for me. I have the hunger to be a success here and will give D.C. 100 percent – as I have always done for every team I have ever played for. When I visited earlier this summer I was really impressed with everyone I met connected with the club, and of course the new Audi Field. Now I can’t wait to get on the pitch in a United shirt and join my new teammates to bring success to this club.”
#NoWayneNoGain pic.twitter.com/HfbLmCsBOq
— D.C. United (@dcunited) June 28, 2018
The 32-year-old signed a three-and-half year contract. In addition, he will occupy a Designated Player spot on the roster. Rooney will make his debut for United in the inaugural match at Audi Field on July 14 against the Vancouver Whitecaps. However, he will be officially be a black and red player until July 10 when international transfer window opens. Also, the contract is said to be worth about $13 million. This will make him the highest paid player in United’s history. He will wear the number 9 Jersey.
Who Is Wayne Rooney:
The former England captain started his career in the youth level ranks at Everton. He then went on to become historic icon in fabled English club Manchester United. While with the Red Devils, he capped 418 games while scoring 188 times. He also went on to win five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three FL Cup, four, FA Community Shield, one Champions League, one Europa League and one Club World Cup. His best year as a devil was in 2012 where he scored 27 goals.
In three seasons with the Merseyside club, he played 65 times while scoring in 25 occasions.
Is This a Bad Move For DC United?
Yes. The former Red Devil is far from being fit and at the level he ever was with Manchester United. The first half of Rooney’s season at Everton was respectable where he scored 10 goals in 16 games. However, after Christmas, Rooney’s performance dwindled down. He played in 15 games but not score a single goal.
DC United is taking a major gamble with Rooney. Nevertheless, the club needed to make a splashy move that would coincide with the United’s biggest off-the-field move to date, Audi Field. A field with a price tag of of about $400 million. The stadium will also have a capacity of 20,000. However, DC hasn’t featured a world-known player since Argentina’s Marcelo Gallardo, who played for the team in 2008.
Lastly, the club is not doing well in the standings. However, they have played the majority of the games outside of DC due to the stadium built situation. Despite this, the second half of the season will be played at Audi Field, where they will play 15 of 20 games still to play.
Unlike the splash made by LA Galaxy’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Rooney will not make this kind of splash. Perhaps the stadium will see an increase in attendance but the on field play will continue to be poor despite Rooney.
