Minutes before D.C. United’s match against Orlando City began Sunday, Wayne Rooney climbed the steps behind Audi Field’s south goal and took in the warm welcome from a gathering crowd hungry for him to lift the MLS club’s sinking fortunes.
Four years ago, Rooney took the same short path as a player tasked with turning a good team into a championship one. Now as head coach, he faces a greater test. What transpired in front of him on a misty late afternoon began with despair but ended with unbridled joy.
In Rooney’s debut, United scored twice in second-half stoppage time for a 2-1 victory.