Kai Rooney played a key role as Manchester United's Under-16s secured a 2-0 victory over Burnley in the Premier League Shield final at Carrington on Tuesday. The 16-year-old was cheered on by his father Wayne and mother Coleen, who were present to watch the triumph alongside his younger brother Cass.
Wayne Rooney shared a photograph on social media of Kai with his winner's medal, highlighting the family's pride in the achievement. Kai lined up alongside other recognisable surnames in the academy, including Jacey Carrick, son of Michael Carrick, and Silva Mexes, son of former Wales striker Robert Earnshaw.
Kai has enjoyed an outstanding year, scoring goals for the Under-18s and receiving his first scholarship within the club's youth set-up. He will be eligible to sign a professional contract next season. The Under-18s have also progressed to the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup and the final of the Premier League Cup, with Kai expected to feature.
Speaking to The Times, Coleen Rooney acknowledged that Kai is accustomed to the spotlight due to his famous surname. “He's lived it from a young age. When we used to go to matches when he was younger and he'd get a lot of people coming up saying, 'Oh, are you Wayne Rooney's son?' But he is strong-minded and he always has been. I've got no worries about the way he deals with it,” she said.
Coleen added that the family can guide him, saying: “It's nice that we know what to expect. And we can try to guide him. Obviously, it's his life, his passion. He can decide what he wants to do. But I think it's good we've got the knowledge.”
