Kai Rooney delivered an impressive performance for Manchester United's Under-18s in their 6-3 victory over Liverpool, registering an assist and prompting fans to call for his promotion to the first team.
The teenager, son of United legend Wayne Rooney and his wife Coleen, has been turning heads throughout the club's academy setup. Kai joined at the age of 11 and has steadily worked his way up through the ranks.
Academy Progress and Contract Details
Kai secured a two-year academy scholarship deal in July. Once he reaches his 17th birthday on 2 November, that deal will convert into a three-year professional contract. Last season, he featured predominantly for the Under-16s and Under-18s, claiming the Under-16 Premier League Shield and SuperCupNI, though an injury hampered his progress along the way.
This campaign, Kai has already made his Under-19 UEFA Youth League and Under-21 debuts, though he has largely been turning out for the Under-18s and started in attack against Liverpool. Donning the No. 9 shirt, Kai impressed throughout.
Fan Reaction and First-Team Calls
He led the line with his relentless pressing and teed up Jaume Camacho, who netted four times in the emphatic 6-3 victory. Supporters have taken to social media to make their feelings abundantly clear about what lies ahead for the young Rooney.
"Kai Rooney is a pressing machine," one fan wrote on social media. A second commented: "Kai played a really good game, top notch. He ran like his dad - chased everything down and made plays." Other supporters suggested that Kai deserves to be far closer to Michael Carrick's first-team setup. One comment read: "He is always getting closer to first-team potential."
Another declared: "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!" One supporter then simply asked: "Can they play tomorrow?"
First-Team Pressure Mounts
These remarks come as first-team manager Carrick faces mounting pressure following a string of underwhelming performances. Having played seven Premier League fixtures, United have claimed just a single victory. Their most recent outing saw them thrashed 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.
Carrick addressed the media ahead of his side's home fixture against Bournemouth on Sunday, delivering a heartfelt and candid assessment of the club's recent difficulties. 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."
