Wayne Rooney admitted he'll notice one thing surrounding his son Kai's deal with Manchester United
Kai Rooney and Wayne Rooney during Nordoff Robbins' Legends of Football at JW Marriott Grosvenor House
Kai Rooney is following in his father's footsteps at Old Trafford(Image: Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Wayne Rooney admitted his son Kai may have people trying to befriend him purely because he has signed for Manchester United.
The 16-year-old has been at the club since he was 11 and recently signed a scholarship deal with United in July. Kai has been in the limelight since a young age because of his father's footballing exploits, but is now paving his own path at Old Trafford.
He's currently starring for the club's Under-18 side and even made his debut at the Theatre of Dreams in an FA Youth Cup win over Derby County last season. Kai's profile has expanded further because of his family's Disney+ docu-series, The Real Rooneys.
Wayne and his wife, Coleen, opened up about the show and their family dynamic last month in an interview with the Guardian, where the former United captain was asked how to differentiate between genuine friends and those who attach themselves to you because of your status.
The pundit admitted it's an issue they may have to address as Kai continues his progression at United. He explained: "We’ve got this with Kai having signed for Manchester United. We know who his friends are.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info
Kai Rooney with his parents after winning the Premier League Shield
Kai Rooney signed a scholarship deal at Old Trafford this past summer(Image: Instagram/@waynerooney)
View 3 Images
"He’s joined United and if there’s suddenly a group of people starting to get close to him, you’ll see that. I’m not saying you can’t make new friends." Kai was one of eight United youngsters, alongside Michael Carrick's son Jacey, to earn a scholarship deal with the duo being inducted into the Professional Development Phase group.
It's a step forward in the teenager's burgeoning football career, and one Wayne wanted Kai to earn on his own, not because of his father's iconic legacy at United. Rooney Sr. said in episode three of the show: "Kai wants his own legacy, and I'll be there to support him.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney with their son, Kai
The 16-year-old is expected to play a leading role in Darren Fletcher's side this season(Image: Wayne Rooney Instagram)
View 3 Images
"What I don't want is him to get a scholarship or get a contract because of me. I want it to be because of him in his own right. It’s something he's wanted for a long time, so [I'll] be proud, really proud of him to get a scholarship."
The scholarship stands as the final step before young players are able to sign their first professional contracts, which they are officially allowed to do after their 17th birthday. Kai turns 17 next month and will be eligible to ink such a deal.
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, dejected after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Michael Carrick, Manager of Manchester United, dejected after the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium