Manchester United's Under-18s stepped out at Old Trafford to face Derby County in the FA Youth Cup
Chido Obi, Kai Rooney
Kai Rooney and Chido Obi have exchanged messages after Man United's win in the FA Youth Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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Manchester United academy youngsters Kai Rooney and Chido Obi have exchanged messages after their FA Youth Cup participation against Derby County at Old Trafford on Friday night.
Fellow United starlet JJ Gabriel and Obi started together while Rooney was on the bench to begin with. After a deadlocked 90 minutes, United opened the scoring through an own goal with Obi adding a second in the 103rd minute before the Rams pulled one back.
Rooney came off the bench on the 99th minute to make his Old Trafford bow in front of his father, United legend Wayne, with Obi - signed from Arsenal last year - playing the full match.
After the game, Obi and young Rooney exchanged messages on social media. Obi posted pictures on Instagram to which Rooney was quickly to reply to, writing: "Brotherrrr," followed by a love heart.
Rooney who also shared snaps alongside the caption "FAYC W," received a response from Obi. The 18-year-old simply replied with a love struck emoji. Kai made his first competitive appearance at Old Trafford as Rooney Sr and interim Reds head coach Michael Carrick watched on from the stands.
Wayne also took to social media to leave a message to his son, Kai. He wrote: "Then and now. Proud of you, Kai."
Carrick also attended the Under-21s' match against Sporting Clube de Portugal on Tuesday night, with his second appearance at an academy game in a week coming on Friday. Explaining his decision to attend, Carrick told MUTV: "My message of support is that I'm coming along to watch and I'm excited.
"I was lucky enough to play and win the FA Youth Cup when I was young at West Ham. It's such an important competition, especially for this club. Young players, Old Trafford under the floodlights, feeling what it means, a bit of expectation.
"It's a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step. We're all fully behind them, it'll be a tough game, but we're looking forward to it."
The young Reds will now face Oxford United, who defeated Colchester United.