Manchester United fans have urged the club to promote Kai Rooney to the senior squad after his impressive performance in the Under-18s' 6-3 victory over Liverpool on Saturday morning. The young forward, son of United legend Wayne Rooney, started up front and set up Jaume Camacho, who scored four goals in the rout.
Kai, who joined the academy aged 11 in 2020, has progressed through the ranks and signed a two-year academy scholarship deal in July. When he turns 17 on November 2, that deal will convert into a three-year professional contract. Last season he played mainly for the Under-16s and Under-18s, winning the Under-16 Premier League Shield and SuperCupNI despite an injury disrupting his campaign.
Fans React to Kai's Performance
Wearing the No. 9 shirt, Kai impressed with his pressing and link-up play. Supporters took to social media to praise his display. One fan wrote: "Kai Rooney is a pressing machine." Another commented: "Kai played a really good game, top notch. He ran like his dad - chased everything down and made plays."
Several supporters suggested Kai should be closer to Michael Carrick's first team. One comment read: "He is always getting closer to first-team potential." Another said: "Our Under-18s are far more enjoyable to watch than the first team! Pace, hunting the ball collectively, calmness in midfield. It's a breath of fresh air watching them every week!" A final fan simply asked: "Can they play tomorrow?"
First Team Under Pressure
The calls come as first-team boss Carrick faces scrutiny after a poor run of results. United have won just once in seven Premier League games, and their latest outing ended in a 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
Speaking ahead of Sunday's home game against Bournemouth, Carrick delivered an emotional address about the team's struggles. He said: "Recently we haven't had a good time, I think that's pretty obvious. Wednesday [vs Como] was a bad night and it hurt me to see us play like that. It was unacceptable. My responsibility is to get a team on the pitch that represents this football club and the supporters and they can be proud of in the identity we show. We have gone away from that recently. It's important we all recognise that. The foundation and values of this football club have been etched for many years. I totally understand and get every single one of them."
