Wayne Rooney set to take over at Championship club alongside former teammates

Rooney is heading for a quick return to management

D.C missed out on a place in the MLS play offs and upon his departure, the 37-year-old said that it was "the right time" to leave and take on a new challenge.

In his statement he said: "I've done everything I can to get this club into the play-offs. It's not a single thing that's happened. It's about timing."

The club themselves also released a statement following the news, saying: "We have spoken with Wayne and agreed it is best for us to part ways at this time. This decision creates the avenue for our next General Manager to have the full opportunity to impart a new philosophy and structure onto our sporting operations, which begins with the critical identification of a Head Coach who will best align with this.

"We are grateful to Wayne Rooney for all he has done for our club and for soccer in the Nation’s Capital, first as a D.C. United player and captain and most recently as our coach. He remains an important part of the D.C. United family and a valued and cherished friend."

It seems as if Rooney won't be out of management for long however, with journalist Aaron Paul reporting that the former striker will take charge of Championship club Birmingham City.

Birmingham are currently managed by John Eustace and have made a strong start to the season, sitting sixth in the second tier, but with American investment from the likes of Tom Brady and Tom Wagner at the club, change is seemingly going to be made.

He will also be joined by former teammates at both club and international level with John O'Shea and Ashley Cole also set to be a part of his coaching staff,

If confirmed, Rooney's first game in charge will be away against Middlesbrough where he would take on fellow former United teammate, Michael Carrick.

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