Wayne Rooney wanted DC United to sign three Premier League outcasts this summer
Wayne Rooney attempted to bring three forgotten former Premier League stars to D.C. United over the summer but was left disappointed, reports claim.
The former Manchester United hero's draw has helped the franchise to secure the services of the likes of Mateusz Klich and Christian Benteke previously. However, the four-time MLS Cup champions eventually were left frustrated in their efforts to sign established names this summer.
The Eastern Conference club made two signings on deadline day last month in the form of Independiente's Jose Fajardo and free agent Eric Davis. However, prior to this a report by the Washington Post contends that Rooney originally had designs on bringing three familiar faces to the US.
In the first instance, DCU walked away from a potential deal for ex-Old Trafford stalwart Jesse Lingard after failing to reach an agreement over contract demands. The England international, who is a free agent since leaving Nottingham Forest, was seeking a long-term deal.
Former Red Devils captain Rooney also was keen to re-sign journeyman midfielder Ravel Morrison after he departed the club in the summer. The one-time wonderkid made 14 appearances in the 2022 season but failed to make an appearance during the 2023 campaign.
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The US outfit are thought to have paid up the 30-year-old's £677,000 ($850,000) contract, despite his head coach's desire to retain him for the team's playoffs push. Rooney has helped the Jamaica international to rebuild his career in recent times, starting first bringing him to Derby County before taking him stateside.
The report also contends that the club had engaged in talks over a potential deal for Ghanaian forward Andre Ayew, who is also a free agent currently. The 33-year-old last appeared for Nottingham Forest last season, making 14 appearances for the Reds while failing to find the net.
Former Manchester United star Wayne Rooney attempted to bring Ravel Morrison to D.C. United (Matthew Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)The former Marseille marksman is highly experienced and has enjoyed a varied career that saw him turn out for three Premier League teams. It looks as though the ship has now sailed on any potential deal for the striker, with DCU unlikely to make another signing this season.
Of course, the option is still there for Rooney's team to make a free transfer prior to the Roster Freeze Date on September 15. However, the former Everton boy wonder has ruled out making another addition, with salary cap issues having been cited as the main reason.
D.C. United currently sit in the final playoffs place in MLS' Eastern Conference after 27 games played, with Inter Miami potentially breathing down their necks. Messi's team may sit eight points off their rivals but they are unbeaten since the World Cup's arrival and have two games in hand on DCU.
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