Manchester United youngster Kai Rooney has shared that he models his playing style on a former Premier League player.
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Kai Rooney (Image: Getty)
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Kai Rooney has drawn inspiration from former Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli as he progresses through the ranks at Manchester United, treading a similar path to his father Wayne. The youngster has advanced rapidly since arriving at the club in 2020. A significant moment arrived this summer when the 16-year-old put pen to paper on a scholarship agreement, stating: "Work starts now."
His momentum was disrupted in March following an injury that ended his campaign prematurely, denying him the opportunity to feature in United's FA Youth Cup final loss to Manchester City. The emerging attacker has transitioned from a central striking position, reminiscent of his father's playing days, to a wider role where he can drift infield onto his favoured left foot as he climbs through United's academy system.
His template for that position is Martinelli, the former Arsenal wide man who departed the Emirates for Al Hilal in a £60million transfer following 278 outings for the Gunners.
"If I'm playing right wing Martinelli but more like him as a striker. I'm not like a hold up striker, I'm more running behind," Kai told TikToker Gabrielvpool during an interview.
Martinelli emphasised the influence Futsal had on his progression during an interview with club media in November 2024. "Futsal was really important in my growth in football," he said at the time. "You play in a smaller pitch or court and you have to think quicker. How you control the ball is different. You don't have much space so it helps you a lot."
Kai has been part of United's academy since rejoining at the age of 11 and took another major step forward last month by putting pen to paper on his first‐year scholarship agreement. The contract enables him to pursue his studies while developing through the academy, having recently achieved passes in all his GCSEs.
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Kai with his parents, Wayne and Coleen (Image: Getty)
His mother, Coleen, celebrated the accomplishment with a post on social media. Coleen wrote: "GCSE results day! ! Super proud @kairooney.10 ....Great results especially with a busy schedule, all passed and a place in 6th form!! We love you."
The next crucial landmark will arrive when he reaches 17 and becomes entitled to sign a professional deal. Wayne has previously stated he opts to take a back seat, allowing Kai to perform freely without involvement, and steers clear of placing any additional burden on the youngster.
"I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds," the Reds icon said. "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."