Kai Rooney celebrated a landmark win with one of Manchester United's academy sides on Tuesday, with his parents in attendance
Kai Rooney with his parents after winning the Premier League Shield
Kai Rooney was supported by his parents after winning the Premier League Shield(Image: Instagram/@waynerooney)
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Kai Rooney helped Manchester United's Under-16s to a statement 2-0 Premier League Shield win on Tuesday. The teenager was supported by his father Wayne and mother Coleen at the game.
In what has been a year to remember for the club's academy already, United picked up silverware at Carrington when they put Burnley to the sword. Among the winning team were some familiar surnames.
Kai, who has been starring for the Under-18s, dropped back down to the lower age bracket for the final, joining the likes of Michael Carrick's son Jacey and Silva Mexes, the son of Robert Earnshaw.
A snap of the 16-year-old with a medal around his neck was posted on United icon Wayne's social media, as both he and his other half were in attendance supporting their son. Youngest brother Cass was also there to witness the victory.
Kai Rooney in action for Manchester United U18s agaisnt Derby County
The 16-year-old has been featuring for the Under-18s(Image: Getty)
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Kai has enjoyed a stellar year so far, grabbing goals for the Under-18s while being offered his first scholarship in the club's youth system. He will be able to sign a pro deal next season.
The Under-18s have reached the semi-final stage of the FA Youth Cup too, as well as the final of the Premier League Cup, with Kai expected to feature.
This Premier League Shield acts as a statement of intent for the youngsters and for United's youth teams as a whole. It seems the academy is nurturing some promising young stars, and Kai could add more trophies to his collection in the coming months and years.
Kai has also signed with Triple S Sports. This agency has a long-term deal with his father, and United first-team stars, including Harry Maguire, feature among its clients.
Yet, despite this spike in notoriety, his mother Coleen admits that Kai is used to the limelight given his legendary last name. She told The Times: "He's lived it from a young age.
Wayne Rooney, Kai Rooney and Coleen Rooney during Nordoff Robbins' Legends of Football at JW Marriott Grosvenor House
Coleen says Kai is used to the fame(Image: Getty)
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"When we used to go to matches when he was younger and he'd get a lot of people coming up saying, 'Oh, are you Wayne Rooney's son?'
"But he is strong-minded and he always has been. I've got no worries about the way he deals with it. It's nice that we know what to expect.
"And we can try to guide him. Obviously, it's his life, his passion. He can decide what he wants to do. But I think it's good we've got the knowledge."