Wayne Rooney's son Kai made his Old Trafford debut earlier this season but the youngster's latest update is less positive
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Kai Rooney of Manchester United U21 during the FA Youth Cup quarter final match between Manchester United and Sunderland at Old Trafford on March 18, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Kai Rooney has had a tough time with injuries this season(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Manchester United may be experiencing an extended break from competitive action but that was never likely to keep them out of the headlines entirely. United's early FA Cup exit means they won't take to the pitch again until April 13, a full 24 days on from their most recent outing at Bournemouth.
A dramatic 2-2 draw on the south coast, coupled with other results, ensures United are relatively comfortable in their top four standing during the break. They sit third with a slender one-point advantage over fourth-placed Aston Villa but are six points ahead of Liverpool in fifth and seven clear of Chelsea.
The first game after the international break comes at home to Leeds United, with a trip to Chelsea five days later offering an opportunity to cement that top-four position. Before that, however, they'll be hoping their squad emerges from the international break without injury.
Throughout the current pause in club football, various off-field developments - whether transfer speculation or other news - have dominated the headlines. Here's the latest from around Old Trafford.
Rooney admits his season is over
Manchester United academy prospect Kai Rooney will be sidelined for the remainder of the campaign. The youngster shared the disappointing news on his Instagram Stories on Thursday.
"Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season," he posted.
Rooney, whose father Wayne starred for United for more than a decade, made his Old Trafford debut earlier this season in the FA Youth Cup. He has made six league appearances for the Under-18 team during an injury-interrupted season, netting twice and providing one assist, having previously impressed in younger age groups.
United keen on Lewis-Skelly
Arsenal's young talent Myles Lewis-Skelly has been added to United's summer transfer wishlist, football.london reports. The England international has seen his game time in north London dwindle following the arrival of Piero Hincapie, whose loan move from Bayer Leverkusen is due to become permanent.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 22: Myles Lewis-Skelly of Arsenal applauds the fans after the Carabao Cup Final match between Arsenal and Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on March 22, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Myles Lewis-Skelly has often been a substitute for Arsenal this season(Image: Alex Burstow, Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
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Lewis-Skelly earned his senior England debut last season after impressing at left-back, despite primarily being utilised in midfield when he came through Arsenal's academy. He made 23 league appearances last term, many of them starts, but has clocked up just 312 minutes in the competition this season.
"Every season is different," Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta commented on the youngster earlier this month. "He had very good moments in this season. He had other moments when he hasn't played in that much."
United seem to be in the hunt for a new left-back in the summer, while Lewis-Skelly's age and adaptability will undoubtedly be viewed as advantages. They signed teenage full-back Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno in 2025, but the Paraguayan has mainly been involved with the Under-21 squad this term.