Kai Rooney and J.J. Gabriel face the same problem after Man United’s breakthrough | Soccer | Sports

Manchester United prospects Kai Rooney and J.J. Gabriel are both determined to establish themselves in the first team, but could face a similar dilemma at international level. The pair have gained considerable recognition this season through their performances with United’s Under-18s.

Rooney, 16, aims to emulate his father Wayne, who remains United’s all-time leading goalscorer. The teenager made encouraging progress, scoring two goals in seven appearances for Darren Fletcher’s side, and made his first appearance at Old Trafford in January.

His parents proudly watched their eldest son play in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County and were also present as Kai assisted the Under-16s in winning the Premier League Shield. Unfortunately, United’s promising player suffered a season-ending injury last month.

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Left winger Gabriel is expected to be included in the club’s pre-season preparations despite being just 15 years old after helping the Under-18s reach the FA Youth Cup final.

Both Rooney and Gabriel are looking to make an impression at United, but their senior achievements could lead to difficult choices on the international stage. Rooney is also eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland, although his father was previously England’s record scorer.

Kai’s parents are of Irish descent and the United academy star could play for his country, but Kai’s mother Coleen recently opened up about the possibility of her children not representing England.

“Obviously, they’re still very young,” she said on a recent appearance on “The Late Late Show.” “We’re not there yet but they’ll be proud to play for Ireland, yeah. But I don’t know, they don’t know either. Let them decide.”

Unlike Gabriel, who has two England Under-17 caps, Kai is yet to feature for any of England’s generational teams. Gabriel is also eligible to play for the Republic of Ireland, with several other options available.

Gabriel’s father is former defender Joe O’Kearyle, who played twice for Ireland in 2007. Gabriel has a Cypriot mother and could represent Trinidad and Tobago through his grandfather.

There is great excitement about this young man’s potential. However, United manager Michael Carrick insisted the club are in no rush to progress his development.

“JJ is a tremendous talent. We obviously care a lot about him, but patience is key in managing everything that comes with that and working with him on development,” Carrick said in a March speech.

Meanwhile, Kai is determined to return to full fitness and establish himself as a key member of United’s academy side before drawing any conclusions about his international future. However, it was not a decision that his father, Wayne, had considered during his playing days.

“I never thought about playing for Ireland,” Rooney Senior said in 2015. “I was born in England and I’m British.

“Lee Carsley, who replaced Mick McCarthy, asked me about it when I was at Everton, but it never crossed my mind. I have Irish grandparents so if they wanted to play for Ireland, they could play for Ireland, but it had never occurred to me.

“I’m English at heart and have no qualms about beating Ireland. I’m playing for England and I want to help England win.”