Kai Rooney has returned to action for Manchester United after suffering a season-ending injury last term. The 16-year-old confirmed his comeback on Friday, posting on Instagram a photo of himself on the PSV Eindhoven pitch with teammates, captioned: "First game back from injury. PSV (A)."
Injury setback and recovery
Rooney's blossoming career hit a stumbling block in March when he suffered an injury that brought his campaign to a premature end. Having already been left in a protective boot earlier in the campaign, the latest injury ruled him out of a possible cameo in the FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
He posted on his Instagram story at the time: "Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season," alongside a red love heart emoji. The caption was written on top of a black-and-white image of him in a United kit during a game.
Return in the Otten Cup
Rooney, along with first-team manager Michael Carrick's son Jacey, are both part of a 23-man United squad competing in the eight-team Otten Cup in Eindhoven this weekend. United's first game of the tournament was against hosts PSV on Friday afternoon, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Another match against Brazilian side Palmeiras took place in the evening, and they then take on Australian outfit Adelaide United on Saturday.
Progress and future prospects
Despite his recent injury, Rooney will look back on 2025/26 fondly, having also won the Super Cup NI with the younger age group. He earned his breakthrough with Darren Fletcher's Under-18s as a 15-year-old in January, managing two goals and an assist in six U18 Premier League fixtures.
Rooney made his first appearance at Old Trafford last term, playing 21 minutes in the FA Youth Cup fourth-round win against Derby County, while he was an unused substitute in the quarter-final success against Sunderland. He was also part of the Under-16s side that won the Premier League Shield.
That progress culminated with him signing his first year scholarship contract in July, taking the next step towards a potential professional contract once he turns 17. The Manchester Evening News understands that both Rooney and Carrick Jr will feature heavily for the U18s in the new campaign.
Rooney has not yet started training with the senior team like high-profile academy talent JJ Gabriel, who is aged 15. He is, however, expected to get the chance to play in the Youth Cup this season. The forward transitioned from playing as a striker, where his father played, to operating on the wing because he likes to cut inside with his left foot as he ascended the youth team ranks. Parents Wayne and Coleen were regularly seen in attendance watching his matches this year prior to his injury.
