Kai Rooney's first appearance for Manchester United's Under-21s ended in a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Loughborough University Stadium on Friday.
The 16-year-old son of United legend Wayne came on as a second-half substitute in the 78th minute, with the score level at 2-2. Despite United's push for a winning goal, Shakur Samuels netted a late winner for Forest.
First Premier League 2 defeat of the season
The loss marked United's first Premier League 2 defeat of the season. They had won their opening three matches, scoring 12 goals and conceding three, with victories over Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Brentford.
Ahead of the trip, Rooney shared his excitement on Instagram, posting a picture of his kit in the changing room with the caption: "U21s vs Forest."
Rapid rise through the youth ranks
The debut came less than a week after he played for the club's Under-19s in the UEFA Youth League against Atletico Madrid, a match United lost 3-0 in the Spanish capital.
Rooney has progressed through the United youth system after featuring for the Under-16s last season. He signed a scholarship - a full-time, two-year apprenticeship agreement - with the club in July. It is believed the contract would convert to a three-year professional deal worth around £50,000 per year with an annual signing-on fee.
Wayne Rooney's assessment
Wayne, who made his Premier League debut at 16 for Everton in 2002, has spoken about his son's qualities. He told former United team-mate Gary Neville on The Overlap: "[He has] my physique, but he'll be taller than me and he's a goalscorer, he's in the box, he sniffs chances out and that's his game, so he's doing OK."
When asked if Kai is at a level where he has a chance, Wayne replied: "I think it's too early, you never know. I think he's showing potential and good signs."
