01 September 2023 , 20:48
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Wayne Rooney has opened up on his frustrations after talks over a potential new contract at D.C. United have failed to progress.
The former England captain has managed the MLS outfit since last year but his current deal in the US capital is set to expire in December. The 37-year-old and his agent Paul Stretford approached bosses at the franchise to discuss a potential extension of his terms two months ago.
However, talks over a new agreement have not got off the ground in the time since the initial proposal from the former Manchester United man's side. With the end of the regular season fast approaching in MLS, it is clear that Rooney would like to see his future resolved.
Currently, the four-time MLS Cup victors sit in tenth place in the Eastern Conference after 26 fixtures having been played. Rooney's team sit two points off the final playoffs spot, with eight matches remaining.
Speaking to the Washington Post, Rooney admitted he has been left a little concerned by the lack of any developments surrounding his contract. He said: "I am slightly disappointed and frustrated there has been no contact for two months.
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"We asked about a new deal. We can sit down and talk about it - we haven’t heard back. Either way, I can take whatever the situation is. I was hoping we would have, either way, at least spoken about it, that hasn’t been the case.
“We asked to sit down and speak, because planning for next season needs to go ahead. So we asked two months ago where everything was at, are we moving forward or not moving forward — if that’s the case from their point of view — and we haven’t heard back."
Wayne Rooney will hope to guide D.C. United to a better finish in the MLS Eastern Conference this season (Jeff Dean/Getty Images)Clearly, the legendary former striker is caught in something of a predicament, especially given his overseas ties and his further comments confirmed this. Describing his eagerness to know what the club's long-term plans are, he added: "That’s frustrating, because either way, I’d rather know what’s the plan because we have to plan for next season.
"There is a lot of uncertainty amongst the [assistant] coaches and the players as well. I am sure the players would like to know what is in the future, in terms of the manager and the coaches. … If the club wants me to wait, so be it, but I need to make sure I look after myself and my coaches as well."
Rooney surprised some observers by returning to MLS in a managerial capacity to take the reigns at Audi Field last summer. His previous spell as head coach of Derby County had seen him impress as the club escaped relegation during his first year, before succumbing to the drop in his second term as boss whilst blighted by financial issues.