Promising talent: Kai Rooney in action for Manchester United’s Under-18s side
The 16-year-old son of United and England icon Wayne Rooney has been in United’s academy since the age of 11 and impressed while rising through the youth ranks, making his Old Trafford debut for the Under-18s in their FA Youth Cup tie against Derby last month.
Now according to The Sun, forward Kai - who turns 17 in November - has been offered initial one-year scholarship terms that could then become a three-year professional deal worth a rumoured £50,000 a week. It has reportedly yet to be accepted.
It would be a clear statement of faith from United in Rooney, whose father Wayne is the club’s record goalscorer after netting 253 times in 559 total appearances between 2004-17.
Rooney Sr was also England’s all-time top scorer before being surpassed by current captain Harry Kane in 2023, notching 53 times in 120 senior caps before retiring from international football in 2018.
Kai Rooney is said to be part of a promising new generation of talent at United that also includes Jacey Carrick, the son of current first-team interim head coach and another United legend in Michael Carrick.
Teenage winger Shea Lacey has broken into the senior setup this season, along with Jack and Tyler Fletcher, the twin sons of former midfielder, caretaker boss and current U18s lead coach Darren Fletcher.
19-year-old defender Ayden Heaven has also impressed since joining from Arsenal last January, making 18 first-team appearances across all competitions to date.
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Prolific young striker Chido Obi has also played at senior level since joining from Arsenal, while United’s other promising youngsters include the likes of December debutant Bendito Mantato, Godwill Kukonki and James Overy.
There have also been rave reviews regarding JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old forward who has already trained plenty with the first team under both Carrick and predecessor Ruben Amorim and made his U18s debut at the age of just 14 - setting a new club record in the process.