Wayne Rooney has disclosed that his son, Kai, has shifted from striker to right-wing during his development at Manchester United. The 16-year-old, who joined the club's academy at age 11 in 2020, initially played as a centre-forward but has adapted to a wide role, cutting in from the flank on his left foot.
Rooney, speaking on his show, noted that the change reflects a broader trend in football where fewer players are fulfilling the traditional No.9 role. He cited global icons like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Mohamed Salah as examples of forwards who operate from wide positions. 'He's gone to the right. Left-footed, coming in off the right,' Rooney explained.
Kai has already featured for United's Under-18s, including a substitute appearance in the FA Youth Cup fourth-round win over Derby County last month. That match marked his debut at Old Trafford, nearly nine years after his father's last appearance at the stadium.
Despite an injury setback last year that required a protective boot, Kai has regained fitness and continues to progress. He may feature again in the Under-18s' FA Youth Cup fifth-round tie against Oxford United on Wednesday evening.
