Kai Rooney has issued clarification on the injury that has cut his season short.
Manchester United youngster Kai Rooney announced this week that his 2025/26 season had come to an abrupt end.
Rooney had been flitting between the under-16s and under-18s teams this season, making solid progress.
But in a statement on social media he wrote: “Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season.”
Now he has added a little more context, to underline that his injury should only be a short-term setback.
Kai Rooney celebrates with teammates at Carrington.
Photo by Poppy Townson – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kai Rooney injury detail
Kai Rooney, 16, posted an extra comment on his Instagram feed last night to allay fears that his injury was a very serious one.
He wrote in response to a post from Rising Ballers: “not acl, it’s a quad strain.”
The strain is enough to rule Rooney out for the final few weeks of the academy season.
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He is set to miss the Premier League under-18s Cup Final at the end of April against Crystal Palace.
Rooney came off the bench in the semi-final against West Ham to score in extra-time in a 3-1 victory.
He has also featured during the FA Youth Cup campaign, where United have reached the semi-finals, also set to face Palace.
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Kai Rooney
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Rooney has one trophy this season
Just earlier this week, Kai Rooney lifted silverware for United as the under-16s won the Premier League Shield.
Rooney was part of the team with Jacey Carrick, son of Manchester United boss Michael Carrick. They helped secure a 2-0 win in the final over Blackburn.
While the injury ends the season on a disappointing note, this has been a promising campaign for the son of Manchester United’s record scorer.
He will be optimistic he has done enough to earn a scholarship deal for next season, to step up to the 18s more regularly.
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