Manchester United U18 v Sunderland U18: FA Youth Cup
Heartbreaking news for Kai Rooney as his season comes to an end (Picture: Getty Images)
Kai Rooney heled Manchester United Under-16s win the Premier League Shield this week, but has now revealed he will miss the rest of the season through injury.
Wayne Rooney’s oldest son has been playing for mutiple age-range teams with the Red Devils this season, producing eye catching performances for the Under-18s.
Still just 16, he was in action for the Under-16 side on Tuesday as they beat Burnley 2-0 and won the Premier League Shield in the process.
England and Manchester United legend Wayne posted a picture with Kai, wife Colleen and younger son Cass celebrating the victory.
However, the memorable week has taken an unfortunate turn as Kai now reveals that he will not play again this season due to injury.
The teenager posted on Instagram on Thursday: ‘Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season.’
The nature of the injury has not been disclosed, but clearly it is serious enough to keep him out for an extended period of time.
Your football fix
Metro's Head of Sport James Goldman delivers punchy analysis, transfer talk and his take on the week's biggest stories direct to your inbox every week.
Sign up here, it's an open goal.
Rooney posted the disappointing news on Thursday (Picture: Instagram/kairooney.10)
The injury issue means Rooney will not be involved in Manchester United-18s bid for FA Youth Cup glory in the coming weeks.
He has been involved in Darren Fletcher’s side’s run to the semi-finals so far, where they take on Crystal Palace.
There is also a Premier League Cup final to come against the Eagles and a battle at the top of the Under-18s Premier League with Manchester City.
The Rooney family celebrated Kai’s success this week (Picture: Instagram/waynerooney)
It will come as a blow to the talented youngster, but after an encouraging season in the United academy, he will expect to return next season and play a significant role in the Under-18s side.
Speaking last summer, Wayne explained how he tries not to get too involved in his son’s development, keen to keep the pressure off and just let him play naturally.
‘I just let him play. He just plays and that’s all he’s done during his time playing,’ the 40-year-old told the BBC.
Manchester United U18 v West Ham United U18: U18 Premier League
Rooney celebrating a goal against West Ham U18s earlier this month (Picture: Getty Images)
‘I think it’s very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He’s just playing, he’s a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.
‘He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.’
MORE: Man Utd hold initial talks over move for Barcelona star amid Marcus Rashford standoff
MORE: Manchester United receive approach from Premier League rivals for Marcus Rashford
MORE: Roy Keane pinpoints where Thomas Tuchel’s England squad is ‘not good’
Football Newsletter – In The Mixer
Punchy analysis, transfer talk and more from Metro's football experts, sent straight to your inbox every week.