Wayne Rooney has admitted that his son Kai may encounter people trying to befriend him purely because he has signed for Manchester United.
The 16-year-old has been with the club since the age of 11 and signed a scholarship deal with United in July. Kai has been in the public eye from a young age because of his father's footballing career, but is now forging his own path at Old Trafford.
Kai Rooney's rise at Old Trafford
He is currently featuring for the club's Under-18 side and made his debut at Old Trafford in an FA Youth Cup win over Derby County last season. Kai's profile has grown further due to his family's Disney+ docu-series, The Real Rooneys.
Wayne and his wife, Coleen, discussed the show and their family dynamic last month in an interview with the Guardian, where the former United captain was asked how to distinguish between genuine friends and those who attach themselves to you because of your status.
Father's concern over friendships
The pundit admitted it is an issue they may have to address as Kai continues his progression at United. He explained: "We've got this with Kai having signed for Manchester United. We know who his friends are.
"He's joined United and if there's suddenly a group of people starting to get close to him, you'll see that. I'm not saying you can't make new friends." Kai was one of eight United youngsters, alongside Michael Carrick's son Jacey, to earn a scholarship deal, with the duo being inducted into the Professional Development Phase group.
A legacy earned on merit
It is a step forward in the teenager's burgeoning football career, and one Wayne wanted Kai to earn on his own, not because of his father's iconic legacy at United. Rooney Sr. said in episode three of the show: "Kai wants his own legacy, and I'll be there to support him.
"What I don't want is him to get a scholarship or get a contract because of me. I want it to be because of him in his own right. It's something he's wanted for a long time, so [I'll] be proud, really proud of him to get a scholarship."
The scholarship is the final step before young players can sign their first professional contracts, which they are officially allowed to do after their 17th birthday. Kai turns 17 next month and will be eligible to sign such a deal.
