Kai Rooney responded to his Manchester United Under-21s debut disappointment by scoring for the Under-18s the following day, then shared a four-word message on social media.
The 16-year-old was named on the bench for the Premier League 2 fixture against Nottingham Forest at Loughborough University on Friday. He came on in the 78th minute with the score at 2-2, but Forest scored late to take all three points.
Quick Turnaround for U18s
The defeat was United's development squad's first of the season in Premier League 2, having won their opening three matches against Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Brentford.
Despite his U21s appearance on Friday, Rooney started for the club's U18s on Saturday against Nottingham Forest. He gave United the lead in the first half before being taken off in the 66th minute. Forest equalised in the 78th minute, with the match ending 1-1.
Social Media Reaction
Following the double header, Rooney shared a picture of his celebration on social media with the caption: "back on the scoresheet."
It has been a busy few weeks for Rooney, who made his U19s debut last week as a second-half substitute in the UEFA Youth League clash against Atletico Madrid, a game United lost 3-0.
Scholarship and Family Background
He signed a two-year scholarship with the club in July. The deal can turn into a three-year professional deal worth around £50,000 per year, plus an annual signing-on fee.
It had previously been revealed by his mum, Coleen, that he had to ban his dad, United legend Wayne, from attending matches. "Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games, when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn't even watch the game," she said on I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here in 2024.
Wayne has since been spotted at matches, suggesting the ban is now over.
