Wayne Rooney has warned that his 16-year-old son, Kai, must navigate the pitfalls of fame after signing a scholarship with Manchester United, including people trying to get into his circle just to get close to him. Having been at the club since age 11, Kai is now stepping into his own spotlight at Old Trafford.
Kai's progress at United
Currently playing for United's U18s - and already making his Old Trafford debut in last season's FA Youth Cup - the young forward is forging a career of his own, even as the family's Disney+ documentary series, The Real Rooneys, keeps him firmly in the public eye.
Wayne and his wife, Coleen, discussed the programme and their family life last month in an interview with the Guardian, where the former United skipper was questioned about how to distinguish between true friends and those who latch onto you because of your standing.
Advice on friendships
The pundit conceded it's a matter they may need to tackle as Kai continues his development at United. He said: "We've got this with Kai having signed for Manchester United. We know who his friends are.
"He's joined United and if there's suddenly a group of people starting to get close to him, you'll see that. I'm not saying you can't make new friends." Kai was among eight United youngsters, alongside Michael Carrick's son Jacey, to secure a scholarship deal with the pair being welcomed into the Professional Development Phase group.
Achieving on his own merit
It marks a significant milestone in the teenager's developing football career, and one Wayne was determined Kai should achieve through his own merit, rather than riding on his father's legendary status at United.
Rooney Sr. revealed in episode three of the programme: "Kai wants his own legacy, and I'll be there to support him. What I don't want is him to get a scholarship or get a contract because of me. I want it to be because of him in his own right.
"It's something he's wanted for a long time, so [I'll] be proud, really proud of him to get a scholarship." The scholarship represents the final hurdle before young prospects can put pen to paper on their first professional contracts, which they are officially permitted to sign after turning 17.
Kai reaches that age next month and will be able to secure such an agreement. The teenager endured an injury-hit season after suffering a foot injury that curtailed his campaign earlier this year.
