Kai Rooney came on as a substitute in Manchester United’s Under-18s’ FA Youth Cup match against Derby and took a bow at Old Trafford as Michael Carrick looked on.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney watch their 16-year-old son Kai make his Old Trafford debut (Image: Getty Images)
Wayne and Coleen Rooney attended the Old Trafford director’s box with Manchester United manager Michael Carrick as their son Kai, 16, made his debut at the Theater of Dreams. Rooney Jr. featured for the Red Devils Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup match against Derby.
He came on as a substitute in extra time and looked lively during his short time on the pitch, despite playing two years above his age group. United defeated Derby 2-1 in extra time to advance to the fifth round.
Carrick has given his all to the club at every level from the time he was appointed as United manager until the end of the season following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
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He was at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night to watch United’s Under-21s defeat Sporting Lisbon, a trip his predecessor never made during his 14-month spell in charge.
Carrick was flanked by assistants Steve Holland, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, with the entire quartet again present at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Luca Crolla’s own goal and Chido Obi’s smart finish won the Under-18s, completing a winning hat-trick within a week for United’s first team, the Under-21s and their children.
Kai Rooney takes a selfie with a fan after making his debut at Old Trafford (Image: Getty Images)
Commenting on his decision to take part, Carrick said: “The message of support is that we’re here to watch it together. I’m excited. I was lucky enough to play in the FA Youth Cup and win it when I was younger with West Ham.”
“This is a very important competition, especially for this club. The young players who are at Old Trafford under the floodlights are feeling a bit of anticipation about what it means.
“It’s a great opportunity for these young players to take the next step. We’re all rooting for them. It’s going to be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Kai’s first appearance at Old Trafford came five years after he signed his first contract at the club where his father played so well, becoming United’s all-time leading goalscorer.
Rooney Jr. takes a bow at the Theater of Dreams (Image: Getty Images)
United’s Under-18s take first place against Derby in the FA Youth Cup (Image: Getty Images)
Just over 2,000 fans gathered to serenade the boy with the familiar chant of “Rooney, Rooney” and spilled out of the Stretford End in honor of his father.
Rooney Senior burst onto the scene already at the age of 16 and set the world on fire with his boyhood club, scoring a memorable goal for Everton against Arsenal.
He joined United from Goodison Park at the age of 18 and went on to make 559 appearances and score 253 goals for the club. During his time at Old Trafford, he won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League.
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