Kai Rooney has been a regular fixture in the Manchester United youth teams since joining the club in 2020 and has been making headlines ever since
Kai Rooney has signed with Triple S Sports Management
Kai Rooney has signed with Triple S Sports Management(Image: Triple S Sports Management Instagram)
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Kai Rooney currently ranks among the most discussed young talents in English football. He emulated his legendary father Wayne by joining Manchester United's academy system at just 11 years old.
With Wayne being United's record goal-scorer and Kai also operating as a forward, comparisons have been inevitable for the 16-year-old, whose development has been scrutinised by supporters and the media since 2020.
Yet, he has still managed to stand out while progressing through the United youth system. Rooney, who initially operated as a striker but now plays on the right wing, even made his Old Trafford debut in January during an appearance for the club's Under-18s in the FA Youth Cup.
Rooney has achieved several other landmarks in his fledgling career so far, both on and off the field. Now, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at the various deals the teenager has signed as one of the most marketable young athletes in the country.
New contract agreed
Rooney has progressed to the next stage in his blossoming career by signing a deal with Triple S Sports Management. The agency is the same firm that represented his former England captain dad throughout his brilliant playing career.
Managed by the United legend's long-standing agent Paul Stretford, the firm now represents another Rooney. They announced the teenager's signing on Instagram with a post, which read: "Delighted to announce the signing of @kairooney.10 to Triple S Sports!
"We're excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game. A bright future ahead."
Puma boots ban
Kai Rooney signs with Puma
Kai joined sportswear giants Puma aged 12(Image: Puma)
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The left-footed winger secured a boot deal with Puma in 2022. The major sportswear manufacturer signed him up to a contract when he was just 12 years old, following an impressive 56-goal campaign.
Kai revealed the partnership, which has seen him wear Puma boots and clothing ever since, in an Instagram post stating: "Great to sign for @puma. Only see great."
However, Wayne recently explained how his son is not getting any preferential treatment in the United academy, revealing that Kai is not allowed to wear his Puma boots for the U16s due to a club policy.
Wayne said on The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast: "He’s obviously with Puma but when he plays for the Manchester United U16s, something which I really like is he can’t wear his Puma boots.
"All the academy have to wear the same boots. They do it because there’s people from areas where they can’t afford certain boots so I think it’s really good. But he’s played for the U18s a few times and he can then wear his Puma boots. He’s doing well to be fair to him."
New contract 'offer'
Manchester United's Kai Rooney and Jariyah Shah during the Under 18 Premier League between Manchester United U18s and Middlesbrough U18s at Carrington Training Ground on August 23, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Rooney denied reports claiming he had signed a lucrative contract(Image: Manchester United, Manchester United via Getty Images)
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In February, Rooney shut down rumours that he had been offered a lucrative new contract by United. The Sun reported that Rooney, who turns 17 in November, has been offered an initial one-year scholarship which will turn into a three-year professional deal worth around £50,000-a-week and an annual signing-on fee.
The report suggested the offer had been accepted by the Rooney family, with several other media outlets subsequently reporting the same. However, this was swiftly dismissed by the youngster himself on social media.
He posted on his Instagram story: "Don't listen to mail [three laughing face emojis]."