Wayne Rooney’s memorable 18-month spell at D.C. United is off in the distance now, and fans of the club have largely moved on, turning their focus toward the 2020 season and wondering how the club will push forward from an undeniably disappointing 2019 campaign. But multiple sources have told The Athletic that the club is now said to be connected to another European megastar: Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modric.



United long ago moved on from Rooney on the field, signing former Columbus Crew and LA Galaxy striker Ola Kamara as Rooney’s positional replacement. They’ve focused more on re-shaping the club’s midfield this offseason, looking to bring on board Peru international Edison Flores and hinting at interest in a handful of other young prospects. Turning focus mostly away from superstars is likely a wise strategy, one geared more toward bearing fruit on the field, not off of it.



But D.C. United haven’t turned completely away from...