Kai Rooney could be set to follow in the footsteps of his Manchester United and England legend, Wayne
Coleen Rooney has shared how her son Kai, a budding footballer, handles questions about his ability. The 16-year-old, the eldest of Wayne and Coleen’s four children, has hinted he could make his Old Trafford debut on Friday night when Manchester United U18s take on Derby County in the FA Youth Cup.
Ahead of the fourth round tie, Kai posted a throwback photo on Instagram featuring himself and his dad, both in United kits, on the pitch from about a decade ago. His cryptic caption “OT”, accompanied by heart and staring eyes emojis, suggests he’s set to step onto the Old Trafford pitch as a player for the first time, which would be a proud moment for the Rooneys.
Kai, who celebrated his 16th birthday in November, has recently graduated to the under-18 squad, which is managed by Darren Fletcher. However, his matches so far haven’t been held at Old Trafford, as youth games are typically played at Leigh Sports Village or the club’s Carrington training complex.
With the first team playing away at Arsenal on Sunday, Old Trafford is available. While Kai is undoubtedly a promising talent, Wayne and Coleen have been careful not to pile on any pressure on him or their other sons.
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They’ve made it clear that there’s no expectation for their boys to follow in their dad’s legendary footsteps. Speaking to the Mirror in September 2024, Coleen said: “We’ve never pressured them into even playing football. We’ve always just let them decide what they want to do.
“My eight-year-old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn’t want to, and that’s OK.
READ MORE: Wayne Rooney gets emphatic backing after sparking Man Utd vs Arsenal debateREAD MORE: Kai Rooney’s Man Utd ban and why he told his dad Wayne he’s not allowed to watch him play
“I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we’re out, they do say, ‘Are you are as good as your dad?’
“Kai says ‘I’m a different type of player.’ You’ve got to let them know that you don’t have to follow and to be your own person.”
Kai is now under the guidance of Fletcher, who has made his way back to the youth academy after his brief spell as interim first-team manager following Ruben Amorim’s sacking earlier this month.
Michael Carrick has taken the reins until the summer, with former England assistant Steve Holland brought in as his deputy. Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans have also joined the coaching ranks.
The new coaching unit enjoyed a dream start as United stormed to a superb 2-0 victory over Manchester City last weekend thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Patrick Dorgu.
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Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
