Manchester United academy star Kai Rooney has unfortunately suffered an injury which has brought an end to his 2025/26 campaign.
At 16 years old, Kai Rooney is one of Manchester United’s most promising academy talents, and he has made great progress at Carrington this season as he targets a first-team breakthrough.
On Tuesday, Rooney won the Premier League Shield with the Under-16s. Michael Carrick’s son Jacey Carrick also featured in the 2-0 win over Burnley in the final.
However, less than 48 hours later he has confirmed that is the final game he will play in the 2025/26 season.
Kai Rooney playing at Old Trafford for the first time
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Will Kai Rooney ever play for the Manchester United first team?
He's shown himself to be among the best at an U18 level, but can he reach that next level?
Kai Rooney
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Kai Rooney suffers season-ending injury
Via his Instagram story, Rooney confirmed that he has suffered an injury which will bring an end to his current campaign.
“Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season,” Rooney wrote, accompanied with a heart emoji.
It is a bitter blow for the teenager in the final stages of what has been a very productive season for his growth.
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Rooney also suffered an injury earlier in the season which disrupted his momentum, but overall, he will be pleased with his performances in 2025/26.
The immediate reactions to Kai Rooney’s long-awaited return from injury for Man Utd ✍️🔥
Let’s hear YOUR predictions… in what year do you think Kai Rooney will make his Man Utd first-team debut? 🔮👀
Marcus Rashford: ⚽️
Jack Fletcher: ❤️
Shea Lacey: 👏👏
Louie Bradbury: 👏🏼👏🏼
Samuel Lusale: “Hes backk”
Kai Rooney celebrates scoring during the English Under-18s Premier League Cup match between Manchester United Under-18s vs Birmingham City Under-18s at the Carrington training complex in 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Zohaib Alam – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
Kai Rooney’s highlights in 2025/26 season
It has been a rollercoaster season for young Rooney, and insiders at United are extremely excited about his potential.
United staff believe Rooney is on the same level as JJ Gabriel, and it seems both youngsters are on a fast-track route to the first team.
This season, Rooney starred in the Super Cup NI which really shone a spotlight on his performances.
READ MORE: Kai Rooney and JJ Gabriel star for Man Utd U18s, Darren Fletcher’s side continue title charge
Rooney also scored for the Under-18s after stepping up to the higher age level. United will be wary about pushing him too early in his career, but the signs are promising that he has first-team potential.
This season, Rooney has also featured in the FA Youth Cup, making his debut at Old Trafford in front of father and Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney.
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