Wayne Rooney already lined up for next job in England before DC United exit

08 October 2023 , 05:15

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Wayne Rooney has been linked with the Birmingham City job if John Eustace leaves (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Wayne Rooney is now available for his next job after leaving D.C. United by mutual consent - and he's already being lined up by Birmingham City.

Rooney's exit from the MLS franchise was announced after his team beat New York City 2-0 in their final regular season game. He departs after 15 months and one full season in charge with the team set to miss out on the MLS Playoffs.

It means Rooney is back on the job market and a return to England could be on the cards if things fall a certain way. The Mirror reported last month that he is viewed as a leading contender to replace John Eustace if he leaves Birmingham City.

Eustace is being tracked by a host of clubs both in the Premier League and elsewhere having done an excellent job at St Andrews. If he departs, then Rooney is now free to take his passage back into the English game after his turbulent spell at Derby County.

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Birmingham City's American owners Knighthead Capital, led by Tom Wagner and with NFL icon Tom Brady now on board as an investor, are known admirers of Rooney. The cards could now fall into place if they do lose Eustace with a free run at the Manchester United and England legend.

Rooney remained tight-lipped when asked about links to other clubs amid contract uncertainty last month. 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."

Now he has left the Washington-based club, attentions will inevitably turn to what is next. "What lies ahead, I don't know," he insisted. "I've seen a lot of reports in the media. I'm going back with nothing lined up."

Rooney outlined his ambitions to return to Europe at some stage when he was managing the MLS All-Stars for their game against Arsenal in the summer.

Rooney has left his job as D.C. United manager

"Occasions like the All-Star Game remind me why I chose to continue my journey as a coach here in MLS," he told MLSsoccer.com in June.

"My aspiration is to manage at an elite European club someday, and 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."

Rich Jones