D.C. United has been eliminated from the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs and currently sits 14th in the Eastern Conference with only four games remaining, marking a significant decline from previous seasons.

The club parted ways with general manager Ally Mackay, who joined in November 2023 and was responsible for overseeing all soccer operations, including roster overhaul and player recruitment.

Despite efforts to improve, the team finished 14th, surrendered 70 goals in 2024, and was eliminated early from the 2025 U.S. Open Cup, continuing a six-year playoff drought.

The club cited a 'comprehensive review' as the reason for Mackay's departure and announced that a new general manager will be hired to work alongside the new head coach, René Weiler.

Mackay, the youngest MLS GM at 37, led a roster overhaul after the 2024 season, releasing 11 players and attempting to strengthen the team through league mechanisms rather than high-cost signings.

Key players include Christian Benteke, who won the 2024 MLS Golden Boot with 23 goals but has scored only eight this season due to injuries, along with defenders Kye Rowles, Aaron Herrera, and Gabriel Pirani.

This managerial shake-up follows the firing of head coach Troy Lesesne earlier in July amid a five-game winless streak and ongoing defensive struggles.

During Mackay's first season, the team finished 10th and missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers, with the last playoff appearance in 2019.

D.C. United, one of MLS's original clubs with four league titles and multiple domestic trophies, continues to face challenges despite its rich history of success.

Mackay's departure is part of ongoing management changes, with a new leader expected soon, following his previous role as Nashville SC's assistant general manager.

The team's struggles have been compounded by underperforming international signings and injuries to top scorer Christian Benteke.