Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are among eight Manchester United youngsters who have signed scholarship deals, celebrated at the annual scholars night at Old Trafford. The pair, both 16, were joined by six other players inducted into the Professional Development Phase group.
Proud fathers watch on
Carrick and Rooney posed for a photograph together, with their fathers watching proudly. United head coach Michael Carrick attended both as first-team boss and as Jacey's father, while Wayne Rooney was present on a night off from World Cup punditry duties.
Player backgrounds
Kai Rooney made six appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season and made his FA Youth Cup debut. He is expected to play a more prominent role for Darren Fletcher's Under-18 side next season. Jacey Carrick, a midfielder, made just one Under-18 Premier League appearance last term but has signed scholarship forms to continue his development.
Scholarship details
A scholarship contract allows players to continue their development and is the final step before signing professional terms, which can take effect from a player's 17th birthday. Often, young players agree professional contracts before turning 17.
Other signatories
The other players to sign scholarship deals are Gazik Ibragimov, Edson Dejonge-Seiros, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Connor Laurie and Jaume Camacho. At 15, JJ Gabriel is too young to sign and will be eligible next season, when United may face competition to retain him.
