Wayne Rooney was spotted boarding a flight to Washington, DC as a return to management draws ever closer.
The former England international has been out of work since walking away from Derby County in June. However, he doesn't look likely to be out of the game for too long, with DC United set to appoint him as manager a few short years after he played for the MLS club.
Rooney's wife Coleen seems likely to be less than pleased with the links. Texts made public during the Wagatha Christie trial appeared to show she was not the biggest fan of the US capital city, describing it as "quite behind the UK". The 36-year-old former striker spent two seasons in MLS with DC United, scoring 25 times in 52 appearances. He eventually left in 2020 to join Derby County, where he later took over as manager after Philip Cocu's dismissal.
DC made the end-of-season playoffs in Rooney's final season, but failed to do so in either of the last two campaigns. They have been without a permanent manager since April, when Hernan Losada was dismissed, and have lost four of their last five games including a record-equalling 7-0 defeat at Philadelphia Union over the weekend.
The loss appears to have increased the urgency for the team to make a change in the dugout, with one Twitter used spotting Rooney in the airport en route to the States, wearing a cap and with his hood pulled up. The photo was subsequently shared by broadcaster and former US international midfielder Stuart Holden, who shared it with the eyes emoji.
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"Today I met with the administrators to inform them of my decision that it was time for me to leave the club," Rooney said upon leaving Derby in June. "In fairness to them, they tried tremendously hard to change my decision but my mind was made up.
“My time at the club has been a rollercoaster of emotions, both highs and lows, but I have to say that I have enjoyed the challenge. Personally, I feel the club now needs to be led by someone with fresh energy and not affected by the events that have happened over the last eighteen months.
"I will remember my time at Derby with great pride and affection and would like to thank all my staff, players and of course the fans for their incredible support. I will never forget you and hope to see you all again in the near future and in happier times."
