“In 10 years” - Wayne Rooney's son looking to follow in father's footsteps after three years at Man Utd

Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, is on track to follow in his father’s footsteps, having completed his third season at the Manchester United academy.

Dad Wayne netted a record 253 goals in 559 games across a 13-year spell at Old Trafford that yielded five Premier League titles, three League Cups, one FA Cup, one Europa League and one Champions League crown.

But when it emerged three years ago that his eldest son had signed for United’s youth ranks, sceptics speculated that the child was simply being taken on because of the name rather than ability.

The 13-year-old is just three years younger than Wayne was when he announced his arrival in English football, curling a last-minute winner past David Seaman for Everton.

And while it’s far too early to tell whether Kai will also make it at the top of the game, he has certainly impressed in his first two-and-a-half years at United.

Kai Rooney at Man Utd

Kai was just 11 and still at primary school when in December 2020, he was pictured signing on the dotted line for the Old Trafford club. Only a couple of years later he has already proven doubter wrong.

In June 2022 Kai revealed via his Instagram account that the previous campaign had seen him score 56 goals and claim 28 assists in all competitions for the academy team.

And last season was also a success. Kai struck four goals in a 5-4 loss to Liverpool and netted in a 2-0 win over Manchester City in the under-13 National Cup North final.

The youngster has also built up a social media following, racking up more than 110,000 followers on Instagram, while he has signed a sponsorship deal with Puma.

Kai uses his Instagram account to plug the brand, as well as a range of sports and fashion companies.

However, like many 13-year-olds he has his sites firmly set on a football career.

"In 10 years, hopefully, I will be playing in the Premier League for Man United," he told reporters in June, via the Mirror.

"That’s where I see myself but I’ve got to make it happen with the hard work and everything behind the scenes."

Topics: Football, Transfers, Premier League, Manchester United, Wayne Rooney

Chris Byfield

Sport journalist with experience writing on football, rugby, boxing and the Olympics. I'm also a Crystal Palace fan. Please don't hold this against me.