Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick, the sons of Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, have signed scholarship contracts with the club. The ceremony took place at Old Trafford on Friday evening, with Wayne Rooney taking a break from World Cup punditry duties and Michael Carrick attending as both Manchester United manager and Jacey's father.
Eight youngsters inducted into Professional Development Phase
The two teenagers were among eight youngsters inducted into the Professional Development Phase group. The annual scholars night also saw Gazik Ibragimov, Edson Dejonge-Seiros, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Connor Laurie, and Jaume Camacho sign their scholarship deals.
Kai Rooney's early progress
Both Rooney and Carrick are 16 years old. Kai has already made six appearances for Manchester United's Under-18 team last season. Midfielder Jacey played once for Darren Fletcher's Under-18 team but will aim for more game time in the upcoming campaign.
Long-standing friendship
The two teenagers have known each other for years. Carrick posted a picture of them as small boys alongside a photo from Friday night's ceremony.
Scholarship and professional contracts
Scholarship deals allow youngsters to continue studying while pursuing football careers. Professional contracts can be signed when players turn 17.
Standout academy performer JJ Gabriel
The standout performer in Manchester United's academy is 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who is too young to sign a scholarship deal (available at 16). He scored 21 goals in the Under-18 side last season and won both the club's Young Player of the Season award and the Premier League's U18 Player of the Year. Gabriel told MUTV: 'I'd say [the Academy] helped me mature a lot. They help me to be very humble and keep my feet on the ground. I'm delighted to be working with him [Fletcher], he's an amazing coach and has helped me so much this season to become a better player and the best version of myself. My family have helped me a lot, through tough times and good times. They come to all my matches, no matter how far or close, and I love them to bits.'
