Wayne Rooney's 16-year-old son, Kai, made his debut for Manchester United's Under-21s on Friday night, coming off the bench in a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2.
Kai entered the match at Loughborough University Stadium as a 77th-minute substitute with the score level at 2-2. Forest soon took the lead and secured all three points.
Youth career progress
Kai's first outing for the U21s follows his UEFA Youth League debut for United's U19s against Atletico Madrid, a match that also ended in defeat. He has risen through the youth ranks after impressing for United's U16s last season.
Before the U21s debut, he shared a photo on Instagram of his kit hanging in the dressing room, captioned: "U21s vs Forest."
Match details
Fuad Ayorinde Smith put Forest ahead in the youth encounter before United captain Dan Armer equalised from the penalty spot. United then took the lead through Samuel Lusale, but Forest drew level again as Smith netted a penalty of his own. Forest substitute Shakur Samuels scored the decisive goal.
Family connection
Kai signed a two-year apprenticeship with United's academy in July, which will transition into a three-year professional contract worth approximately £50,000 annually. Jacey, the son of United manager Michael Carrick, is also part of United's youth setup.
Wayne Rooney was signed by United for £30 million in 2004 and marked his debut in the Champions League with a hat-trick. He went on to score a club record 253 goals in 559 appearances, winning five Premier League titles.
