Wayne and Coleen Rooney were in the Old Trafford directors' box on Friday night to watch their 16-year-old son Kai make his debut for Manchester United's Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup. The teenager came on as a substitute in extra-time and played two years above his age group as United beat Derby County 2-1 to progress to the fifth round.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick joined the Rooney family in the stands, continuing his commitment to watching the club's youth sides. Carrick has attended multiple academy matches since taking over as interim manager, a contrast to his predecessor Ruben Amorim, who rarely visited the lower age groups.
Carrick, flanked by assistants Steve Holland, Jonny Evans, and Jonathan Woodgate, said of his decision to attend: 'My message of support is that I'm coming along to watch and I'm excited. It's a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step.'
Kai Rooney's debut comes five years after he signed his first contract with United, the club where his father became the all-time record goal scorer. The crowd of just over 2,000 fans serenaded the youngster with 'Rooney' chants familiar from his father's era.
The Under-18s' victory was secured by an own goal from Derby's Luca Crolla and a finish from Chido Obi, making it a hat-trick of wins inside a week for United's first team, Under-21s, and Under-18s. Kai's brief appearance on the pitch was described as lively during extra-time.
