Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United and England icon Wayne Rooney, has made a triumphant return to football, scoring for the club's under-18 side after a lengthy injury absence.
A Long Road to Recovery
The young forward had been sidelined for months, seen using crutches and wearing a protective boot on his right foot. His frustration was palpable in September when he shared an image on Instagram with the caption: 'Life can't get any worse'. A subsequent post showed him back in United training kit with his boots on, accompanied by two hourglass emoji hinting at an imminent return.
However, his comeback was delayed, and he had to wait until mid-December to finally get back on the pitch. This setback interrupted a promising start to the season, which had seen him earn a surprise call-up to the club's under-19s at just 15 years old.
Marking His Return in Style
Rooney made his return as a starter in a Premier League Cup match against Birmingham City on Wednesday. He capped a 6-0 victory by scoring the final goal of the game, announcing his return in the best possible fashion. This followed his first goal for the under-18s earlier in the season, a left-footed volley into the top corner against Middlesbrough.
Kai, who celebrated his 16th birthday earlier this year with parents Wayne and Coleen while still injured, joined United's academy in 2020 at the age of 11. He has progressed steadily through the ranks, capable of playing as a striker or winger.
Living Up to a Famous Name
His style of play inevitably draws comparisons to his father, while United staff have reportedly praised his composure, movement off the ball, and eye for goal. He previously made an impression during the club's summer tour for the Northern Ireland Supercup, a tournament his father played in years ago for Everton.
When asked earlier this year if he offered advice to his eldest son, Wayne Rooney stated he preferred to take a step back. 'He just plays, it's what he's always done,' Wayne explained. 'It's unfair to expect too much, he's only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.'
With his injury woes seemingly behind him, Kai Rooney will now look to build on this promising comeback and continue his development within the prestigious Manchester United youth system.
