Rooney ready to rescue forgotten Man Utd star with DC United transfer lifeline

DC United boss Wayne Rooney could be set to offer his former Manchester United teammate Phil Jones a chance to rebuild his career in Major League Soccer.

Rooney, who played with Jones at Old Trafford for several years, took over as DC head coach during the week. Upon rejoining the franchise, with whom he spent two seasons as a player, he confirmed those in charge in the US capital were "working hard" to get new signings over the line.

Luis Suarez is among the big names linked with the struggling side, who lost at Minnesota United on Saturday. However, Jones - who has struggled for minutes at his current club - could be the first to link up with his one-time England international colleague.

According to The Star, Rooney is "optimistic" about a move for Jones. However, the same reports the defender may need to lower his demands to force a deal through, while United could be required to compromise themselves.

Jones is on £120,000 a week after extending his deal during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure as manager. This could mean a wage reduction for a permanent move, or it may require United to subsidise part of his pay packet if he heads stateside on loan.

The former Blackburn defender has played just 13 times across the last three seasons, with injury issues playing a part. He did not travel with the rest of Erik ten Hag's first team squad for their pre-season games in Thailand and Australia, instead remaining in the UK to undergo a personalised training programme.

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Jones has played more than 200 times for United since joining from Blackburn in 2011 and won the Premier League title in the 2012-13 season. However, after missing all of the 2020-21 campaign, he was limited to just five games last term.

"Of course, we're working hard to get a few players in," Rooney said upon taking over at DC United. "We can really get this club back to successful ways again, and it's going to take a lot of hard work, but that's what I'm here to do.

"Of course, I'm an ambitious person. One day I want to manage at the top level, and this is part of that process in terms of coming here, trying to develop this club, trying to get success here but also develop myself as a manager."

Saturday's defeat left Rooney's team bottom of the overall MLS standings with just 18 points from 19 games. They have games in hand on the teams above them, but still have a lot of work to do if they are to stand a chance of reaching the end-of-season playoffs.