Coleen Rooney has rushed to the defence of her son Kai after the Manchester United youngster received his first taste of criticism in his burgeoning career.
The 16-year-old is the son of United legend and all-time record goalscorer Wayne Rooney. Yet the teenager is forging his own path at Old Trafford, having re-joined the club's youth academy at the age of 11.
Last month, young Rooney reached a significant milestone by putting pen to paper on a first-year scholarship contract with United, enabling him to continue his education while pursuing his footballing ambitions.
Online Criticism
The next crucial step for the forward would be securing a professional contract upon turning 17. However, even before making a single first-team appearance, Kai has found himself the target of online trolls through absolutely no fault of his own.
It appears certain individuals have taken umbrage with Rooney's flourishing prospects, insisting his progress is solely down to his father's illustrious legacy.
Coleen was visibly delighted when her son signed his scholarship deal last month, commenting beneath an Instagram post: "Brilliant boys," along with a fire emoji, a love heart and clapping hands, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Critics were quick to respond, however, with one user writing: "Only because he's Rooney's son," while another chimed in: "That nepotism better pay off!"
Coleen's Response
However, Heatworld reports that Coleen has responded to online critics and those taking aim at her son. The 40-year-old reportedly acknowledges that her sons may be considered "nepo babies" but maintains they have worked diligently and earned their achievements.
A source was quoted as saying: "Kai has just signed a professional contract with Man United, so Coleen's going to be helping with deals and media appearances."
"Cass enjoyed modelling with her on the Primark Campaign – he loves the camera, so she wants to get him more modelling gigs. Coleen knows there'll always be people who will call her boys nepo babies, but she doesn't care."
"She's brought them up to work hard and make the most of the opportunities that come their way – which is what a good mum should do."
Kai's Career So Far
Kai is the eldest of the couple's four children, alongside Klay, aged 13, Kit, aged 10, and Cass, aged eight. The teenager has already featured six times for the United Under-18s, making his debut in the age group at 15 during a 1-0 victory against Everton last August.
Unfortunately, he sustained a season-ending injury in March, ruling him out of United's FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City, which ended in a 2-1 defeat.
