Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick have spoken out after signing their Manchester United scholarship deals, with Carrick calling the moment "special" and Rooney expressing hope that it marks the start of "something great."
Scholarship Signing Ceremony at Old Trafford
United held a celebration event at Old Trafford for the latest intake of scholars, recognizing their achievements. Each scholar received a shirt with their surname and '26' on the back, a United blazer, and other commemorative items. Head of the academy Stephen Torpey addressed the audience, and former United academy graduate Wes Brown shared his experiences coming through the club's youth ranks.
Michael Carrick was pictured with his wife and son Jacey at the signing ceremony, while Wayne Rooney was pictured with his son Kai. Kai Rooney made his Old Trafford debut last season in an FA Youth Cup game against Derby, coming off the bench. Jacey Carrick did not debut in the Youth Cup but will be involved as an Under-18 player next term.
Reactions from the New Scholars
Reacting to his scholarship deal, Jacey Carrick said: "This day is very special because I remember the first time when I signed for Man United and it just brings back flashbacks. To put this blazer on is brilliant." Kai Rooney added: "It symbolises the start of something hopefully great, and something with lots of memories to come with lots of hard work."
Stephen Torpey's Address to the Scholars
During his speech, Stephen Torpey emphasized the need for courage and character. He stated: "Boys, each and every one of you in the room is going to have to show courage to be successful in your lives. To be successful at Old Trafford on that pitch, you're going to have to show courage that deserves to wear this blazer with pride, but also to go on and be as successful as you want to be in your career. But we want you to do it with character, we want you to be yourself, we want you to show the character to wear this badge with pride, and the weight of this blazer, badge and jersey, because we know it's not going to be easy. There is a high demand on anyone who wears this badge. I want you to understand that, but I want you to do it your way with authenticity and your uniqueness because each and every one of you is different. It doesn't go unnoticed how much effort you guys put in, but ultimately to be sat in Old Trafford as a Manchester United player is really special, so I want you all to put your hands together and give all the boys a huge congratulations."
List of First-Year Scholars
The full list of United's first-year scholars includes goalkeepers: Jake Ford. Defenders: Harley Emsden-James, Idris Fabiyi, Gazi Ibragimov, Connor Laurie, Samuel O'Brien. Midfielders: Jaume Camacho Sidos, Jacey Carrick, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Emmanuel Ziro, Jodie Nganga. Forwards: Edson de Jonge-Seiros, Camron Mpofu, Kai Rooney.
