Wayne Rooney has shared his son Kai's first comments after making his Old Trafford debut for Manchester United's Under-18s, with the teenager coming off the bench in the FA Youth Cup
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Kai Rooney of Manchester United takes photographs with supporters after the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Kai Rooney with fans after playing for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Wayne Rooney has opened up on his son Kai's initial reaction after making his Old Trafford bow for the Manchester United Under-18s. Kai, 16, joined United's academy aged 11 in 2020 and is on track to follow his father into the first team.
The youngster featured for Darren Fletcher's Under-18s team in the FA Youth Cup clash with Derby County last week, entering as a substitute during the 2-1 fourth round triumph. It represented Kai's long-awaited debut at United's famous home ground, nearly nine years after his dad played at the Theatre of Dreams for the final time, though he's already played for the Under-18s in less illustrious surroundings.
Wayne and his wife Coleen observed from the stands, despite Kai previously forbidding the former United and England skipper from watching his matches. Coleen has previously said Kai was determined from an early age there was little point in Rooney attending his youth team games.
This was because of the fear that supporters would mob the former England star for signatures, which prevented him from actually viewing his son's performances. But there was no risk of that at Old Trafford, where he sat alongside Michael Carrick - the interim manager of United's first team - in the directors' box.
Speaking afterwards on his BBC podcast The Wayne Rooney Show, the England legend revealed the opening four words Kai uttered to him during the journey home from making his debut at the famous ground were: "The pitch was massive."
Rooney then dispelled the myth that the Old Trafford pitch is genuinely larger than at other Premier League stadiums. "Steven Gerrard always used to say to me how big the Old Trafford pitch is, which it actually isn't because it's the same maximum size as a lot of grounds in the Premier League. But the surroundings make it feel bigger," he said.
Discussing his paternal pride, the 40-year-old continued: "Kai got moved up to the Under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on. It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton. It was a proud moment and I'm delighted for him. Hopefully he continues that and he can have a good run with the team."
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Coleen and Wayne Rooney watch on from the stands as their son Kai plays during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Wayne and Coleen Rooney were at Old Trafford to watch son Kai in action(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Kai was just 15 when he played his first minutes with United's Under-18s in August 2025. As it happens, the match came against Everton, where his father began his career and enjoyed a second spell after leaving United.
He has featured sporadically for the side in the intervening months with an injury setback limiting his involvement. He has consistently caught the eye when playing, despite being one the youngest players in the squad after being fast-tracked up the ranks.
Wayne and Coleen are parents to three other boys - Klay, Kit and Cass. Klay is also progressing through United's youth ranks, whilst Cass is treading his dad's path at Everton's academy, though Kit has already 'retired' rather than pursuing a career in football.
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