“It’s a club I grew up supporting and loving,” he said. “They’re going through a very difficult period in the club’s history and they feel they have to make a change. Sean Dyche is very experienced. It’s always going to be an experienced manager.”
Dyche, who was sacked by Burnley last spring after a 10-year stint, signed a 2.5-year deal with Everton, who are 19th out of 20 teams and facing relegation for the first time since 1954. Danger.
Rooney joined the Everton youth academy at the age of 9 and signed a professional contract at the age of 16. He spent two seasons in the first team before moving to Manchester United where he became a superstar before returning to Everton in 2017. A year later, he signed with DC United as a player for 1½ seasons.
Rooney’s coaching deal with DC United is guaranteed for this season only – he accepted the job last summer – and includes a club option until 2024.
“That’s what I think is right,” he said of the short-term trade. “There are some questions I want answers from the owners: Which players can we bring in and make sure I get what I want to build the team?”
Asked if he got what he wanted this offseason, Rooney said: “You always want more. I’m happy with the players we’ve brought in. I’m sure we’re going to have a good season, Hopefully we can get a player or two before [the transfer window closes this spring]. If not, we can see where we are in the middle of the season,” when the summer window opens.
He added, “We’re still looking, but depending on how the budget works, we’re looking for the right players in the right positions.”
Clichy’s arrival is imminent
Wayne Rooney says Matthaus Klich, Manchester United’s prized winter signing from Premier League club Leeds United, plans to be granted a work visa this week and join the club.
Forward Clichy signed with United on January 12 and met his new team-mates in Washington, but needs to return to Europe as the visa process wraps up.
Looney said Clichy will make his preseason debut next Monday against the MLB Cup champions Los Angeles FC at the Coachella Valley Invitational in Indio, California. Rooney added that Clichy continued to train with Leeds fitness trainers while he awaited a resolution to the visa process.
Coachella Music Festival Competition Program
United kick off the Coachella Championship on Wednesday with a 90-minute game against Charlotte FC and a 45-minute game against Vancouver.
Looney said he will play the full 75 regular minutes against Charlotte and then deploy the reserves, who will play the full 45 minutes against the Whitecaps.
Several players were unavailable, including four centre-backs: Steven Birnbaum (illness), Derek Williams (thigh), Donovan Pines (recovering from hernia surgery) and Brun Dan Hines-Eike (foot surgery). Williams, an offseason starter acquired from the LA Galaxy, will miss several weeks, Rooney said.
Matai Akinmboni, 16, will join right-back and winger Andy Najar at centre-back on Wednesday.
Rooney said Najjar, who is battling for the starting right-back spot with Brazilian newcomer Luane, had “been doing really well in pre-season”.
Midfielder Victor Palsson, who can play at centre-back, is a week away from a hamstring injury.
Goalkeeper situation up in the air
Alex Bono, one of three new goaltenders on the roster, will start against Charlotte, Looney said. Tyler Miller — who, like Bono, signed a free-agent contract this winter — beat the Galaxy 3-2 last week in Carson, Calif.
Luis Zamudio, who played for second-tier Loudoun United last year, is scheduled to start against Vancouver.
Rooney said: “I hope they have enough time in the first two or three games so I can see them properly and then make a decision” on who will play in the season opener against Toronto FC on February 25. In the first round. “They’ve both trained well. They push each other, so that’s what I want.”
Midfielder Ravel Morrison, who followed Rooney from Derby County to Manchester United last summer, could be on the verge of leaving.
“He’s talking to the club,” Rooney said. “He’s been training well, but I know there’s been some conversation about what we’re going to do going forward.” …
Rooney says former Vancouver coach Carl Robinson is close to signing a contract to join the team as an assistant.
“I think it’s important that we have another coach who understands the league and obviously has experience as a head coach,” Looney said. “I’ve spoken to him a few times this winter and it feels like a good fit.” …
Midfielder Alex Nagy, who was drafted last winter and signed with Loudoun United this month, is training with the first team and could be offered an MLS contract. …
Midfielder Aidan Rocha, a second-round pick from Georgetown, is still in training camp. …
Ignacio “Nacho” Alem, a 16-year-old attacker from the youth academy, is also in training camp and could be a homegrown target this year.
