Wayne Rooney’s announcement that he’ll be leaving D.C. United two years before his contract’s end to play for English Championship side Derby County sent a shockwave through United’s fan base yesterday. In short order, it became an all-consuming talking point on social media and spurred speculation about what the move means for the rest of United’s 2019 campaign.



In the wake of all that, another bit of news emerged that seemed perhaps even more unbelievable than Rooney’s bombshell. Multiple outlets (including The Athletic) reported that United’s ownership were set for a meeting with representatives of Arsenal star Mesut Özil, taking place as soon as next week. News of the meeting was first reported by the Washington Post. Details surrounding the meeting were scarce, but now, there is a bit of clarity.



Özil’s representatives are indeed set to meet with United officials soon, but the primary purpose of the...