Kai Rooney, the 15-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, could make his Old Trafford debut next month when the Under-18s face Peterborough United in the FA Youth Cup third round. The young forward, who plays as a centre-forward or winger, has been impressing at academy level but has yet to play on the senior stadium's pitch.
Manchester United's youth team have been given permission to host the match at Old Trafford, reversing last season's decision to move a fifth-round tie to Leigh Sports Village due to cost-cutting measures by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos. Kai Rooney is part of Darren Fletcher's squad, though he is currently recovering from an injury sustained in September that has limited him to two appearances this term.
While a debut at the Theatre of Dreams may be on the cards, father Wayne will likely be absent. Coleen Rooney revealed on ITV's I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here! that Kai asked his father to stop attending grassroots matches because the former England captain would be mobbed by fans, preventing him from watching the game properly.
Despite this, Wayne remains involved in his son's development, offering advice at home. Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, he said: 'I tell him he needs to work on his speed, technique and control. He handles the attention well.' It remains unclear whether Kai will be fully fit in time for the December clash.
