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Could Rooney's Arrival, Audi Field Opening Reinvent DC United?

Rooney is expected to make his MLS debut on July 14 with the opening of Audi FieldGETTY IMAGES

DC United on Monday formally introduced F Wayne Rooney, and he "seemed to be sold on the idea of bringing a formerly successful club into a new era of success" with the opening of Audi Field, according to Adam Zielonka of the WASHINGTON TIMES. Audi Field opens July 14, and team officials said that both Rooney and United "want him to be ready to make his MLS debut that night." United GM & VP/Soccer Operations Dave Kasper said Audi Field was the "first place" they took Rooney when he visited DC in May. Kasper added that United's "long-term strategy was always to pair the stadium with a new elite arrival or arrivals." Kasper: "In the first meetings I had with the ownership back in 2012, with [Managing General Partner & CEO] Jason Levien, the number one priority was to build a stadium, and once we built a stadium we were going to add world-class talent." Kasper added that Rooney was "always the top choice on their list of targets." It "may have actually helped" DC's case that it is "not one of the country's biggest markets." Rooney said, "I've been to places like L.A. and New York and it's too hectic. It's like London. For me, I've never fancied going to live in London. I need my own space to get away from things when I need to. Washington seemed to give me that opportunity to do that" (WASHINGTON TIMES, 7/3).

PRESSURE IS ON: In DC, Emily Giambalvo noted the 32-year-old Rooney is the "latest aging European star to make his way to MLS." Rooney said, "I'm not here to see out the last few years of my career. I'm here to compete." Levien said that there has "been a buzz around the team since the Rooney signing, ranging from ticket sales to sponsorships." Levien added that Rooney, the "highest-profile player in United history, was part of the 'initial splash.'" Levien: "But it starts with us having to win because if we don't win with Wayne Rooney, then we're all going to be disappointed" (WASHINGTON POST, 7/3).

JUGGLING RESPONSIBILITIES: ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle wrote unlike with Galaxy F Zlatan Ibrahimovic, emotions surrounding Rooney's arrival "are a bit more mixed." Rooney will be "expected to be an ambassador" for soccer in North America. While Ibrahimovic has "embraced this," Rooney is not the "extrovert that Ibrahimovic is." One "hopes that someone has sat Rooney down and explained all of these additional expectations." United will now "get a high-profile name to christen its new home venue." After the team was "crying poor for much of the past decade," with a new stadium set to open, the signing "sends a signal to fans that the purse strings have indeed loosened." Carlisle: "Will he move the needle? Yes, but it's unclear how sustainable it is." This is a move that does not "help fight the perception that MLS is a retirement league." It "sets up a mixed bag at best for MLS." If Rooney "tears it up, the lower level of competition is made clear." If he does not, MLS "looks like they got snookered." Carlisle added that he has a "hard time summoning up much enthusiasm for this move." United will "likely be better for having the Englishman on board, but given the team around him, it won't live up to the hype" (ESPN.com, 6/30).

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