Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, has responded to reports that he has been offered a scholarship deal by the club. In an Instagram story, he wrote: 'don't listen to mail' accompanied by three laughing face emojis, seemingly dismissing a Daily Mail article about the contract offer.
According to The Sun, Kai is among 14 talented youngsters in the United academy who have been presented with new terms. The proposed deal would be a one-year scholarship, converting to a three-year professional contract when he turns 17. The contract is reportedly worth around £50,000 per year plus an annual signing-on fee, though the Rooney family has not yet approved it.
Wayne Rooney, United's all-time leading scorer, expressed pride after watching Kai play in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County last month. He said: 'Kai got moved up to the under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on. It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton. It was a proud moment and I'm delighted for him.'
Kai's mother, Coleen, has stressed that they have not pressured their children into football. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2024, she said: 'We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do.' She added that Kai responds to comparisons with his father by saying: 'I'm a different type of player.'
Wayne Rooney has also praised the interest shown by first-team coach Michael Carrick and his staff in the academy, noting that it was 'missing in the last few years' and that seeing the manager at youth games 'gives a lift to the players and the players' parents'.
