Wayne Rooney's eldest son, Kai, is making significant strides towards breaking into the first team at Manchester United. The 16-year-old began his career as a central striker but has recently adapted his game to play more on the flanks.
Kai has been part of the Manchester United setup since December 2020. During the 2021/22 season, he showcased his talent by netting an impressive 56 goals and providing 28 assists at youth level across all competitions. Wayne has revealed that Kai had options to pursue his career elsewhere, yet he chose to stay at United:
Kai signed a long-term contract. He is where he wants to be, and where I want him to be. That’s important. He’s been with the club for a long time and is keen to push for a place in the first team and achieve success.
In recent years, Kai’s role on the pitch has evolved significantly. While he previously operated primarily as a central striker, he is now often positioned on the right, cutting in onto his stronger left foot.
Wayne commented:
He’s moved to the right. He’s left-footed and now plays on the right, drifting into the centre.
Kai himself has admitted he prefers making runs behind defenders on the flanks, as opposed to playing as a traditional 'number nine' with his back to goal. Interestingly, he has cited Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli, who left the club last summer, as a player he looks up to.
In January 2026, Rooney junior made his official match debut at Old Trafford, helping the United U18s to a 2-1 victory over Derby in the FA Youth Cup, while his father watched from the stands.
This summer, Kai was among 15 players awarded a first-year scholarship at United’s academy, joining fellow inductee Jaycie Carrick, the son of first-team manager Michael Carrick.
The story of Kai and the rest of the Rooney family will feature in an upcoming Disney+ series, The Real Rooneys, which is set to premiere on September 24.
