Kai Rooney, the 16-year-old son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, has reportedly been offered a new contract by the Red Devils as he continues to impress in the club's academy
Wayne, Coleen and Kai Rooney
Wayne and Coleen Rooney with son Kai(Image: JMEnternational/Getty Images)
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The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney, Kai, has been presented with a contract by Manchester United as he tries to emulate his legendary father.
Kai has spent several years in the United academy and plays as an attacker, just like Rooney Senior. After showing promise in the youth system, Kai is amongst a group of 14 exceptionally talented youngsters who have been presented with new terms by United.
According to The Sun, Kai and Jacey Carrick, the son of the Red Devils' current head coach, Michael, have been presented with new deals alongside others. If accepted, Rooney Jr would sign a one-year scholarship which would then convert to a three-year professional contract when he reaches 17.
The report suggests said contract would see him earn approximately £50,000 per year plus an annual signing-on fee, though the Rooney family are yet to approve the deal.
A source told the outlet: "The group is very strong and the majority of the boys including Kai and Jacey have been offered deals. It means when they finish school they can go into full-time 'football employment' and then when they turn 17 are guaranteed a pro status.
"They still have a long way to go to make the grade, but they can be very proud that the club thinks they have a chance of making it."
Wayne, who holds the record for the most goals scored for the club, expressed his pride last month after watching his eldest son play for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County.
He said: "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.
Kai Rooney of Manchester United U18s
Kai Rooney will hope to make many more appearances at Old Trafford(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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"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."
Kai's mother, Coleen, has emphasised that they have not pushed their children to follow in Wayne's footsteps. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2024, she stated: "We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do. My eight-year-old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn't want to, and that's OK.
"I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we're out, they do say, 'Are you are as good as your dad?' Kai says 'I'm a different type of player.' You've got to let them know that you don't have to follow and to be your own person."
Kai Rooney of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026 in Manchester, England.
Kai Rooney in action at Old Trafford(Image: Getty)
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Wayne has expressed his satisfaction with the interest Michael Carrick and his coaching team have shown in the academy since taking over. Speaking on his BBC podcast last month, he said: "It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years, some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team, so it is important they have that interest.
"On Saturday, they were all at the under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.
"I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven't seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players and the players' parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run."
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