Manchester United's youngsters booked their place in the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Derby County at Old Trafford
Kai Rooney
16-year-old Kai Rooney made his debut at Old Trafford(Image: )
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Wayne Rooney shared a message on social media after his son Kai made his Old Trafford debut in Manchester United's under-18s' FA Youth Cup win over Derby County. The 16-year-old began on the bench and came on in the 99th minute after the tie finished goalless in normal time.
Chido Obi and JJ Gabriel both started and repeatedly tested Derby goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk, but his saves ensured the tie remained goalless until extra-time. United eventually broke the deadlock via an own goal, before Obi added a second in the 103rd minute.
Derby pulled one back, but it wasn't enough to deny Darren Fletcher's side a place in the quarter-finals. Watching from the directors' box alongside wife Coleen, Rooney took in his son's first Old Trafford outing.
They were joined by United head coach Michael Carrick and members of the senior coaching staff.
Taking to Instagram afterwards, Rooney Sr shared a photo from his playing days, showing him walking out at Old Trafford with a young Kai.
"Then and now. Proud of you, Kai," he wrote.
Kai had hinted at his involvement earlier in the day, sharing an Instagram photo of himself as a young child walking out onto the Old Trafford pitch alongside his dad.
After the game, he also shared snaps alongside the caption "FAYC W next round," followed by a 'soon' emoji.
Carrick, who took over from Fletcher following Ruben Amorim's departure, offered words of encouragement to the club's emerging talents. "My message of support is that I'm coming along to watch and I'm excited.
"I was lucky enough to play in, 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."