Manchester United star Kai Rooney has announced his intention after missing most of last season due to injury.
Kai Rooney could have a big future at Manchester United (Image: James Gill – Danehouse, Getty Images)
Manchester United’s young star Kai Rooney is chewing it out as he declares he will be “working hard in pre-season”. The 16-year-old son of United legend Wayne Rooney is preparing for what could be the defining game of the season, with Michael Carrick set to become the club’s new permanent manager in May.
Rooney Jr. made his Under-18s debut in January, but injury ruled him out for the final months of the 2025/26 season. But the youngster has recharged his batteries and shared a series of photos ahead of next season, ending his post with three words that suggest he is well-prepared for what lies ahead.
In a further boost for the young forward, he will be allowed to wear sponsored Puma boots at United next season. He was previously prohibited from wearing Under-16 shoes due to club policy.
However, because Rooney turned 16 before the Aug. 31 deadline, that restriction no longer applies and he will step up into an age group where the rules do not apply.
He signed a sponsorship deal with the sportswear brand in 2022 at just 12 years old. His father Wayne revealed that the club had banned Puma boots because all players wear the same shoes at Under-16 level, and United’s all-time top scorer admitted he was firmly behind the ruling.
Speaking on The Smith Brothers: Not a Podcast, he said: “He’s obviously at Puma, but what I really like about him when he plays for the Manchester United U16 team is that he doesn’t get to wear Puma boots.”
“The whole academy has to wear the same boots, which I think is really good because there are people in the area who can’t afford certain boots. But he’s played a few times for the U18s and then he can wear the Puma boots. To be fair to him, he’s done well.”
The youngster played six games for the Under-18s last season and made his debut for the Under-18s at just 15 years old in the 1-0 win over Everton in August.
He suffered a brutal setback in March when he suffered a season-ending injury and was ruled out of United’s FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City, which United lost 2-1.
Kai Rooney signs for Puma (Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
But judging by his social media activity, which shows the teenager hitting the gym and enjoying some well-deserved rest and recovery, it looks like he’s ready to shine next season.
In a candid interview with The Talent Hunter on Instagram, he opened up about his ambitions in response to a question about where he sees himself in five years. He said, “I played on the best stage with the best players and won trophies.”
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