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Rooney looks to lead DC ‘on and off of the pitch’

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Jul 2, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; (L-R) Washington DC mayor Muriel Bowser, DC United forward Wayne Rooney, DC United managing partner and CEO Jason Levien, and DC United general manager Dave Kasper pose for a picture at Rooney’s introduction press conference at Newseum. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Wayne Rooney knows DC United needs a lot of work to get back to into the playoff race, let alone its previous glory.

But the longtime Manchester United and England man thinks he’s the sort of guy who can fill the nets with goals and the Black-and-Red supporters with hope.

[ MORE: Latest 2018 World Cup news ]

And with Luciano Acosta, Paul Arriola, and Yamil Asad, there’s reason for Rooney to think he can be the straw that stirs the proverbial drink.

From DCUnited.com:

“I think there is talent in the team, maybe with a little bit of guidance and a little bit of help, on and off of the pitch, I can help them and they can help me. So, I am looking forward to it -- a new challenge, a new culture, a new league to play in and new teammates. I’m excited for the first game, I can’t wait to get started.”

There’s also reason to be hopeful that Rooney can lead young American stars Chris Durkin and Ian Harkes in the ways of professionalism (not that there are any signs Ben Olsen’s young men are missing it).

I’ve made it clear in my posts about Rooney that I’d be stunned to see him fail to make a positive on-field impact at DC, though whether that translates into enough wins to move the meter in 2018 remains to be seen.

But he thinks he’s found the right American city for him.

“I’ve been to places like L.A. and New York and it’s too hectic, it’s like London. For me, I never fancied going to live in London. I need my own space to get away from things when I need to, and Washington seemed to give me that opportunity to do that.”

Read his quote sheet here.

Follow @NicholasMendola