Kai Rooney has opened up about a major recent development at Manchester United
Kai Rooney announced he has returned to action for Manchester United after suffering a season-ending injury last term.
The 16-year-old has enjoyed a sensational rise since joining the Reds back in 2020. The youngster has sought to follow in his dad Wayne’s footsteps, who is the club’s all-time leading goal-scorer and one of the best to ever play at Old Trafford.
However, the young Rooney’s blossoming career hit a stumbling block back in March as he suffered an injury which brought his campaign to a premature end. Having already been left in a protective boot earlier in the campaign, the latest injury notably ruled him out of a possible cameo in the blockbuster FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.
He posted on his Instagram story at the time: “Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season,” alongside a red love heart emoji. The caption was written on top of a black-and-white image of him in a United kit during a game.
But his hard work and rehabilitation have paid off as the teenager confirmed on Friday that he is set to make his return to the field. Rooney, along with first-team manager Michael Carrick’s son Jacey, are both part of a 23-man United squad that will compete in the eight-team Otten Cup in Eindhoven this weekend.
The youngster once again took to Instagram, this time posting a positive update as he stood on the PSV Eindhoven pitch with team-mates. He captioned the photo: “First game back from injury. PSV (A).”
United’s first game of the tournament was against hosts PSV on Friday afternoon, which ended in a 1-0 defeat. Another match against Brazilian side Palmeiras will take place in the evening. They then take on Australian outfit Adelaide United on Saturday.
Despite his recent injury, Rooney will look back on 2025/26 fondly, having also won the Super Cup NI with the younger age group. He earned his breakthrough with Darren Fletcher’s Under-18s as a 15-year-old in January, managing two goals and an assist in six U18 Premier League fixtures.
Rooney made his first appearance at OId Trafford last term, playing 21 minutes in the FA Youth Cup fourth-round win against Derby County, while he was an unused substitute in the quarter-final success against Sunderland. He was also part of the Under-16s side that won the Premier League Shield.
That progress culminated with him signing his first year scholarship contract in July, taking the next step towards a potential professional contract once he turns 17. The Manchester Evening News understands that both Rooney and Carrick Jr will feature heavily for the U18s in the new campaign.
Rooney has not yet started training with the senior team like high-profile academy talent, JJ Gabriel, who is aged 15. He is, however, expected to get the chance to play in the Youth Cup this season.
The forward transitioned from playing as a striker, where his father played, to operating on the wing because he likes to cut inside with his left foot as he ascended the youth team ranks. Parents Wayne and Coleen were regularly seen in attendance watching his matches this year prior to his injury.
Countdown to Kickoff: The Essential 26/27 Sky Sports Bundle
Sky’s Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle includes at least 215 live Premier League clashes across the 2026/27 season, with more than 1,500 games from the EFL and beyond, plus F1, golf and darts.
This introductory offer saves £384 compared to the standard price, with every package also providing 100 regular channels alongside free Netflix and discovery+ subscriptions.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login