Kai Rooney, the 15-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, marked his debut for the club's under-18 side with a goal in a 5-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday. The striker came off the bench in the second half and rounded off the scoring, following his first appearance for the U18s last weekend against Everton.
Kai joined the United academy in 2020 and has quickly impressed with his clinical finishing and natural attacking instincts. Earlier this year, he scored a brilliant solo goal for the U17s against Real Sociedad, which has been viewed over three million times online. He also shone for the U16s at the Super Cup NI tournament.
His rapid rise saw him score 56 goals and add 28 assists at U12 level in one season. Manchester United rewarded his form with a shock promotion to the U19 squad for the Mladen Ramljak Memorial Tournament in Croatia. He now looks set to feature regularly for the under-18s, despite still being eligible for the U16s.
Wayne Rooney has offered guidance to his son, telling The Athletic: 'He's enjoying it. That's the most important thing. He's doing everything he can to try to have a career in football.' Coleen Rooney added to the Mirror: 'We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do.'
When asked if he is as good as his father, Kai reportedly replies: 'I'm a different type of player.' Coleen stressed the importance of letting children be their own person, saying: 'You've got to let them know that you don't have to follow and to be your own person.'
