Manchester United’s academy is on fire right now, with the U18 and U21 sides both topping their respective league tables.
With some of the most exciting young footballers in the nation, Manchester United’s academy is currently in a golden period.
Darren Fletcher and Travis Binnion’s U18 and U21 sides, respectively, are looking unstoppable right now in their league battles, sitting in 1st place.
United’s U18 side, in particular, has been eye-catching, winning five from five, scoring 15 without conceding a single goal, all while integrating youth players who are playing three or four years above their age.
Within this side, 14-year-old JJ Gabriel has been United’s standout performer, with six goals so far playing as a number nine despite his small stature against bigger defenders.
Gabriel isn’t alone in being a young player, up multiple age groups, and now it looks like his 15-year-old teammate is close to rejoining him.
Kai Rooney dribbling with ball in Manchester United kit.
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kai Rooney back in Manchester United training
U18 football has been huge for the development of Gabriel, as he has gone from a tricky winger to a goal machine striker, all of which will aid him in his evolution.
However, alongside Gabriel, there is another talent being moved up the ranks this season. Kai Rooney has been fast-tracked by United, following his impressive Super Cup NI performances.
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Due to this, Rooney was called into the U18s to start the season and impressed immediately. Rooney scored for the U18s vs Middlesbrough, with a goal based on pure instinct in the box.
However, following this, Rooney was ruled out with an injury, although after a period on the sidelines, his return is near.
X account Red Youth United posted to reveal the boost for the U18s, explaining Rooney is training again and should be fit to play within the next few games.
Boost for the u18s, Kai Rooney back training and should be fit to play soon
Still just 15 but has started the season up with the u18s, including his first goal at the level vs Middlesbrough pic.twitter.com/54e02bTPXX
— RedYouthUnited (@RedYouthUnited) September 25, 2025
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Rooney and Gabriel are quite clearly viewed internally as the next two big talents, and upon the return of Wayne Rooney’s prodigious son, he will hope to score and place himself next to Gabriel and even rival him for the status of the best in the club.
Kai Rooney has a major benefit over JJ Gabriel in Manchester United fast-track
While Gabriel has deservedly placed himself at the pinnacle of United’s academy with his ability and potential to be one of the world’s best, Rooney is also hugely exciting.
Rooney was compared to Lamine Yamal by Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher after his step up into the U19s earlier this season.
Rooney turns 16 in November, which places him at an age where he could earn a place in the U21s or even Ruben Amorim’s first team training squad at some stage.
This is something Gabriel is unlikely to achieve, given he is a year younger and ineligible to play senior football.
It will now depend on Rooney getting himself goals and making himself undeniable.