Wayne Rooney's son Kai, has responded on Instagram after reports emerged that Manchester United have offered him a scholarship deal
Kieran King Sports Writer, Daniel Marsh Senior Sports Reporter and Bruna Reis
12:17, 06 Feb 2026Updated 12:59, 06 Feb 2026
Kai, Wayne and Coleen Rooney
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Kai has rubbished claims about being offered a new Man United contract(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Wayne Rooney's son, Kai, has responded with a succinct four-word message following reports that he has been offered a contract by Manchester United. Kai, who like his father plays as an attacker, has spent several years honing his skills in the United academy.
After demonstrating potential in the youth system, Kai is among a group of 14 exceptionally gifted youngsters reportedly presented with new terms by United. The Sun initially reported on Thursday that Kai and Jacey Carrick, son of the Red Devils' current head coach, Michael, have been offered new deals alongside others.
If accepted, Rooney Jr would sign a one-year scholarship which would then transition into a three-year professional contract when he turns 17. It was further reported that the contract would see him earn roughly £50,000-per-year plus an annual signing-on fee, though the Rooney family have yet to green light the deal.
Kai Rooney
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Kai Rooney in action for Man United during the FA Youth Cup(Image: Getty Images)
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However, just hours after the report was published by The Sun and subsequently the Daily Mail, Kai responded. In an Instagram story, Kai advised: "Don't listen to Mail [three laughing face emojis]."
A source revealed to The Sun in the original report: "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, shared his delight last month after witnessing his eldest son represent United in the FA Youth Cup clash against Derby County.
He commented: "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."
Kai's mother, Coleen, has stressed that they haven't forced their children to pursue Wayne's career path. 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 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."
Wayne has voiced his pleasure at the attention Michael Carrick and his coaching team have been giving to the academy since taking the reins.
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.
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"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."