DC United: What Wayne Rooney brings to MLS’ bottom club

It’s official, Wayne Rooney is headed to Major League Soccer as a member of DC United. So, what is he going to bring to a club that seems destined for another bottom of the table finish? Well, here are a few things.

The reports have been surfacing for weeks, but the final verdict on Wayne Rooney’s future was given on Thursday afternoon, as DC United penned the former Manchester United star to his first Major League Soccer contract.

It has been an interesting last month for Rooney with Everton initially not giving any real clear hints that he was on his way out. However, after they secured a new manager in Marco Silva, he did not have any issue with Rooney making the move stateside.

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Now that DC United have gained arguably their biggest signing in club history, the work ahead for the striker is going to be tough in an offense that is struggling mightily entering the heart of summer. But what will he actually bring to the table? Well, here are a few things to take note of.

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The 19 goals DC United have scored thus far puts them in a tie for second-worst in MLS with the Colorado Rapids. Darren Mattocks has been leading the way with a respectable seven goals in 11 appearances, while midfielder Yamil Asad has also been having a decent season with five goals in 12 appearances.

Aside from these two players, however, DC don’t have anyone else that has established themselves as a goal scorer. But with the signing of Rooney, that is now perfectly fine.

Rooney will be joining a side that has a very talented midfield which has been underperforming when you take a closer look at who represents DC in the center of the pitch. The likes of Paul Arriola, Luciano Acosta, Zoltan Steiber, and Asad should be doing much better as a unit due to their pedigree as footballers.

Acosta and Asad have been having decent seasons and have flown under the radar due to their club’s unsuccessful start to 2018. Now that they have a big target in Rooney, the two can use their passing ability to feed the striker the chances he needs to have a big impact on DC.

Rooney is a big target in the box and he brings a presence that backlines may have a hard time controlling. His physical play and powerful shooting ability should result in goals for DC from the get-go. Additionally, his big-match experience will give a veteran presence in close match situations which can only help DC get points in the long run.

This signing could very well ignite a turn of course in the season if there is chemistry from the start. DC supporters have been waiting for this news and the club has to have a sense of momentum moving forward.

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We will all anticipate his first appearance which will take place on July 14th if all goes to plan against the Vancouver Whitecaps. Due to the summer transfer window opening on July 10th, his debut is being pushed back two weeks. Nevertheless, the excitement is palpable and the expectation high. Here comes Rooney. Can he deliver?