Kai Rooney’s aim is to play at the highest level and win trophies over the next five years. The 16-year-old son of Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney is also hoping to rub shoulders with the world’s best players.
Responding to a question from Talent Hunter on Instagram about his hopes for the next five years, he said: “To play on the biggest stage, among the best players, and win trophies. The forward started playing for Man United’s Under-18s this season at the age of 15, a few months before his birthday in November.”
Rooney Jr. made his debut for United’s Under-18s just 15 months before his birthday in November. His first appearance came as a substitute in a 1-0 win against his father’s childhood club Everton at Finch Farm in August.
In the following game, he came off the bench and scored the fifth goal in a 5–0 win against Middlesbrough at Carrington.
However, he was sidelined for several months with an injury at the beginning of the season, but recently returned for manager Darren Fletcher’s side.
Rooney returned to the bench against Birmingham City in the Premier League Cup and scored the sixth goal in a 6–0 win. After the game, he shared a photo on Instagram with the caption, “We’re rooting for baby.”
His post received a like from Marcus Rashford and a comment with a football emoji, as well as messages of support from team-mates Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, JJ Gabriel and Shea Lacey.
At Old Trafford, both Fletcher and Lacey were on the first-team bench for the Boxing Day game against Newcastle United. Fletcher made his debut alongside Lacey in the previous game against Aston Villa, coming on for Mason Mount at half-time.
Ruben Amorim spoke extensively about the future of academy players after the win against Newcastle.
Amorim said: “We have a team and we try to choose the best players to play. We understand the history of the club and we want to be part of it. Sometimes to win you have to choose the best players. Today was the opposite of many games. We brought in academy players because we had to and they deserved it.”
When asked about Fletcher, Amorim said: “That’s very important for any kid. He’s already going to hear from his dad. I know Darren is going to talk a lot, but he needs to step back, calm down and just praise the kid, because he’s really humble. He’s worked really hard and he deserves it.”
Kai expects similar platitudes to be said about himself in the future. His father spoke about Kai to the BBC while watching him play in the SuperCupNI tournament in Northern Ireland.
Rooney Senior said: “He has a great coach at Manchester United so I’ll take a stand-off approach. I’ve spoken to him but for me it’s all about his mentality and mindset and making sure he continues to enjoy himself is the most important thing for me.”
