Kai Rooney, son of Wayne Rooney, debuts at Old Trafford with Manchester United U18s.
Kai Rooney followed in the renowned footsteps of his father Wayne on Friday by making his debut competitive appearance at Manchester United’s Old Trafford during an FA Youth Cup fixture.
With Wayne observing from the stands, Kai entered as a substitute in Manchester United’s under-18s 2-1 extra-time victory over Derby County, advancing to the quarterfinals of the esteemed youth tournament.
The 16-year-old winger made his appearance in the 99th minute while the score remained level, before goals from Luca Crolla and Chido Obi ensured the win for the team managed by Wayne’s former teammate Darren Fletcher.
Wayne was watching his son’s first significant action at Old Trafford from the directors’ box, accompanied by his wife Coleen. They were joined by Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick and other members of the senior coaching staff.
Kai had previously scored for United in a U18 League Cup match last month, but that game took place at the team’s usual home at the Carrington training facility.
His son joined Manchester United’s academy at the age of 11 in 2020, three years after Wayne departed Old Trafford following a 13-year tenure at United, during which he secured every major club accolade and surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton as the club’s all-time leading scorer, netting 253 goals in 559 appearances.
Kai had alluded to his participation in Friday’s match earlier in the day by sharing a photo on Instagram that depicted him alongside his father on the Old Trafford pitch as a young child.
