“It’s the membership I grew up supporting and loving,” he mentioned. “They’re going by means of a really troublesome interval within the membership’s historical past, and so they felt a change was obligatory. Sean Dychey may be very skilled. He has at all times been an skilled supervisor.”
Daichi, who was sacked by Burnley final spring after 10 years, signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Everton, who’re nineteenth within the 20-team league and prone to relegation for the primary time since 1954.
Rooney joined Everton’s youth academy on the age of 9 and signed an expert contract on the age of 16. He performed two seasons with the primary crew earlier than transferring to Manchester United, the place he reached stardom, then returned to Everton in 2017. A yr later, he signed with D.C. United as a participant for 1½ seasons.
Rooney’s teaching contract with D.C. United is simply assured for this season – he took over final summer time – and features a membership possibility for 2024.
“It was what felt proper,” he mentioned of the short-term deal. “There have been questions I wished to know the solutions from the house owners: What gamers can we usher in and ensure I get what I wish to construct the crew?”
When requested if he had gotten what he wished this season, Rooney mentioned: “You at all times need extra. The gamers we have introduced in, I am joyful. I am assured we’ll have a very good season and I hope we get one or two gamers earlier than.” [the transfer window closes this spring]. If not, we will see the place we’re at in the course of the season,” when the summer time window opens.
He added, “We’re nonetheless wanting, however with the finances the way in which it really works, we’re on the lookout for the appropriate participant in the appropriate place.”
Cliche’s arrival is imminent
And Rooney mentioned Matthews Klitsch, United’s winter signing from Premier League membership Leeds, is ready to obtain his work visa and be a part of the membership this week.
Clich, a striker, signed for United on January 12 and met his new team-mates in Washington, however wanted to return to Europe as visa formalities completed.
Rooney mentioned Clich is ready to make his preseason debut subsequent Monday in opposition to MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC on the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, California. Rooney added that Clich continued to work with health trainers in Leeds whereas he waited for the visa formalities to be resolved.
Coachella recreation plans
United will open Wednesday’s Coachella event with a 90-minute recreation in opposition to Charlotte FC and a 45-minute recreation in opposition to Vancouver.
Rooney mentioned he would play a number of beginning gamers for 75 minutes in opposition to Charlotte, after which enter the reserves, who would then play the complete 45 in opposition to the Whitecaps.
A number of gamers are unavailable, together with 4 defenders: Stephen Birnbaum (sickness), Derrick Williams (groin), Donovan Baines (recovering from hernia surgical procedure), and Brendan Hines-Ake (foot surgical procedure). Rooney mentioned Williams, a potential rookie acquired from the LA Galaxy within the offseason, shall be out for a number of weeks.
On Wednesday, Maathai Akinmboni, 16, will accomplice at centre-back with Andy Najjar, right-back and winger.
Carpenter, who’s battling Brazilian newcomer Rouen for the right-back spot, has been “unbelievable in pre-season”, mentioned Rooney.
Midfielder Viktor Palson, who may play within the centre-back place, is every week away from getting back from a hamstring harm.
The goalkeeper’s place is unstable
Rooney mentioned Alex Bono, one of many three new goaltenders on the roster, is slated to start out in opposition to Charlotte. Tyler Miller — who, like Bono, signed a free agent contract this winter — began off with a 3-2 defeat to the Galaxy final week in Carson, California.
Luis Zamudio, who performed for Second Division aspect Loudon United final yr, is ready to start out in opposition to Vancouver.
“I need all of them to have a very good time for the primary two or three video games so I can see them correctly after which determine” on who begins the season opener on February 25 in opposition to Toronto FC, Rooney mentioned. “They’ve all educated rather well. They push one another, so that is what I wished.”
Midfielder Ravel Morrison, who adopted Rooney to United from Derby County final summer time, could also be on his method out.
“He is speaking to the membership,” mentioned Rooney. “He is been coaching rather well, however I do know there are some conversations about what we will do sooner or later.” …
Rooney mentioned former Vancouver coach Carl Robinson was near signing a contract to hitch the crew as an assistant.
“I felt it was vital to have one other coach who is aware of the league and who clearly has expertise as a head coach,” Rooney mentioned. “I’ve spoken to him a number of occasions this winter, and he simply felt so proper.” …
Midfielder Alex Nagy, a participant picked final winter who signed for Loudon United this month, is coaching with the primary crew and could possibly be supplied an MLS contract. …
Georgetown quarterback Aidan Rocha continues to be in camp. …
Ignacio “Nacho” Alem, a 16-year-old striker from the youth academy, can also be in camp and will grow to be an area signing goal this yr.