Kai Rooney scored four goals as Manchester United's U18s beat Burnley 6-0, and marked his second goal with a celebration that appeared to reference team-mate JJ Gabriel.
The 16-year-old, son of former United and England captain Wayne Rooney, has been in strong form for the youth side. His second goal celebration saw him put his arm across his face and make a gun gesture, similar to Gabriel's trademark celebration.
Gabriel's Contract Standoff
Gabriel, 15, has been at odds with United after sending a formal notice of intention to cancel his registration, which would make him a free agent. He has not featured for the club at any level since making the request.
Whether Rooney intended the celebration as a dig at Gabriel is unknown, but it was another impressive display from the former England captain's son. Unlike his father, Rooney plays on the right wing, cutting onto his favoured left foot to influence play.
Fletcher Praises Rooney's Return
United U18s coach Darren Fletcher, a former team-mate of Wayne Rooney, praised the teenager's performance, noting his return from injury problems.
Speaking to MUTV, Fletcher said: "We play attacking football, I know it is in the club’s identity and the DNA. We want to play fast, direct, attacking football but there is a lot more controlled possession element, that is just the way football is going these days."
He added: "When you attack quickly, fluidly, get people into the box who make really good decisions. The key to football is decision-making, so when we got into the final third, the decision-making was brilliant today."
"A really good performance from everyone, but obviously Kai getting four goals, he deserves it, he has obviously had a lot of injury problems, so to come back and do that was good."
Rooney will be in action again on Saturday when the U18s face Blackburn Rovers.
