Wayne Rooney’s son Kai has received his first callup to Manchester United’s Under-18 squad for the opening game of the season.
Kai is amongst the substitutes as United face Everton away. Highly rated 14-year-old JJ Gabriel is in the starting lineup.
15-year-old Kai has been named in the squad by one of his father’s former team-mates in Darren Fletcher, who is now coaching the Under-18s.
Capable of playing as a striker or out wide, Kai impressed for United at the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland earlier this summer.
He was subsequently included in United’s Under-19 squad for the prestigious Mladen Ramljak Tournament in Croatia.
The oldest son of Wayne and Colleen Rooney, Kai was born in November 2009.
Wayne Rooney’s son Kai has been named on the bench for Man United U18s against Everton
15-year-old Kai, who can play as a striker or out wide, is seen as an exciting prospect
Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen supported Kai at the recent Super Cup NI
Jacey Carrick, the son of former Red Devils midfielder Michael, also featured for United at the tournament
Kai signed for United’s academy in 2020 and has progressed through the youth ranks at the club.
Speaking previously about his son, United legend Wayne said: ‘He just plays, that’s what he’s always done. It’s unfair to expect too much — he’s only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.’
Kai made an impact as United reached the final of the Super Cup NI, where they were beaten by Southampton.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney were ever-present at the games, watching on with their younger sons Kit and Cass. The family also enjoyed a visit to Curry’s Fun Park in Portrush, where they mingled with fans and staff.
Jacey Carrick, the son of former Red Devils midfielder Michael, also featured for United at the tournament.
Fletcher returned to United as a youth team coach under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and became the club’s first technical director in March 2021.
He left that position when Jason Wilcox was appointed as technical director.
Fletcher worked closely with Ruben Amorim last season as he acted as a conduit to help get academy players into training groups and matchday squads.
Kai has been named in the squad by former United midfielder Darren Fletcher
Kai pictured with Wayne Rooney at the latter’s Testimonial match at Old Trafford in 2016
Upon being appointed as Under-18s coach, Fletcher said: ‘I am really excited to take on this new role and increase my responsibility to directly develop our young players.
‘I’m looking forward to working with such a talented age-group; supporting them to reach their potential and preparing them to enjoy careers at the highest level possible.’
Kai will hope to eventually emulate his father by featuring for the United first-team.
Wayne Rooney is United’s all-time record goalscorer, having found the net 253 times in 559 games for the club between 2004 and 2017.
