Kai Rooney produced a clinical performance as Manchester United U18s thrashed Burnley 6-0 in the U18 Premier League North.
Rooney scored four goals, helping Darren Fletcher’s side climb to second in the standings, two points behind Manchester City.
His four-goal haul sets him apart from fellow Man Utd academy prospect JJ Gabriel, who has since progressed to the club’s U21s.
Rooney’s four-goal haul also sets him apart from fellow Man Utd academy prospect JJ Gabriel, who didn’t achieve that feat at U18 level.
The 16-year-old came close to opening the scoring when Emmanuel Ziro delivered a low cross into the area for the young attacker, but Darren Oshodi averted the danger.
Rooney eventually put Man United ahead when the ball fell kindly to him and he slammed home for his first goal.
He missed the chance to double the lead shortly after, dragging his effort wide.
Charlie Hardy made a brilliant save to deny Burnley an equaliser, smothering Blayz Borgesson in a one-on-one situation.
Ziro was denied from giving United a two-goal lead just before the interval, with Burnley defender Odoshi putting his body on the line to keep out his curling left-footed shot.
Four minutes into the second half, Rooney doubled United’s lead from the penalty spot.
The English winger was brought down by Dylan Morison, and he powered the resultant spot-kick beyond goalkeeper Callum Feeney’s reach.
He completed his hat-trick just after the hour mark, rising highest to head home Jay McEvoy’s corner.
Three minutes later, he was on the scoresheet again as he burst forward before slamming the ball into the net from inside the box.
Jaume Camacho, who scored four times in the 6-3 win over Liverpool at the weekend, made it 5-0, finishing clinically after Rafe McCormack put him through on goal.
Six minutes from time, Noah Ajayi completed the rout by drilling the ball into the bottom corner.
The young Reds will be looking to continue their good run of form when they face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday