Wayne Rooney has hit out at 'disrespectful' critics who believe his move to DC United represents a step back in his managerial career, instead insisting he can develop as a coach in the MLS.
Rooney, 36, called time on his rocky stint as Derby boss this summer following their relegation to League One, having gained plaudits for his work amid the club's financial woes off the pitch last season.
And as Sportsmail exclusively revealed on Friday, the Manchester United legend had been lined up for a shock return to DC United, who confirmed him as their new head coach earlier this week.
After taking on a job in England's second tier at Derby, many feel Rooney's return to DC - where he previously enjoyed a brief stint as a player - is a backwards step in his bid to one day manage in the Premier League.
Yet, when asked about this opinion he issued a stern response to his detractors and said: 'I really find that a bit disrespectful to this league. I feel the experience I gained at Derby County over the past 18 months has been great in my development as a manager and to come back here to the MLS, to D.C. United, was an exciting challenge for me.
'I feel I can develop here as a coach, but also the team need to improve. That's obvious for everyone to see. I really believe with my capabilities of developing young players that we can get this club back to successful ways again.
'It's going to take a lot of hard work but I'm here to do it and really improve the team.'
He then added: 'As a player, playing at the top level you could really choose which club you want to go to.
'As a manager I'm at the beginning of that journey — I have to put the work, the hours in… One day I want to manage at the top level. And this is part of that process.'
The Washington Post reported last week that, once his visa application to formally begin work in the States is completed, Rooney will pen a multi-year contract worth $1million (£830,000) annually with DC.
He is set to inherit a team in disarray, with the club second bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference after winning just five of 17 matches so far this season.
The former England captain enjoyed great success in his playing stint at DC, scoring 25 goals in 52 games while galvanising the Washington-based outfit, although his family did struggle to adjust to life in the States.
Rooney's wife Coleen may well have been reluctant to head back to America after stating Washington 'is quite behind the UK' during her husband's previous spell in the country.
In texts to Rebekah Vardy in 2018, which were revealed earlier this year amid the Wagatha Christie feud, Coleen said: 'Hiya, hope your all week [well]. We're ok thanks its tough being on your own though.'
She added: 'Washington isn't the best....nice to visit but different to live. Not loads for the kids to do, mostly park, hardly any soft plays and things like that.
'It's quite behind the UK, which I never would have though. But we will get used to it (I hope).
'Wayne is loving it, and the kids are fine, settled into school straight away. So really happy they are fine. Thanks for the message love xx.'