Could Kai Rooney become an even better player than his Manchester United legend dad Wayne?

Cameron Loftus
14 February 2022

Kai Rooney Wayne Rooney Cass Rooney Nov18

Kai Rooney is only 12 but the youngster is already making a name for himself at Manchester United, with hopes high that he could go on to emulate his famous father.

Last week it was announced that Cristiano Ronaldo's son, Cristiano Jr, had followed in his father's footsteps by signing for Manchester United. He is not the first son of United legend on the club's books, however, with Kai Rooney, the 12-year-old son of Wayne, having signed a contract with United at the end of 2020.

Just four years younger than when his dad made his professional debut for Everton, we examine whether Kai could make it on the big stage too.

What kind of a player is he?

Kai is an attacking midfielder, but unlike Rooney senior, he is left-footed which already highlights that there will be some differences in their style of play.

He is the eldest of four boys and also the first to be signed to an academy. Brought up in such a football-loving family - Wayne's brother John is also a professional - it is no surprise Kai is treading the same path.

His career so far

Believe it or not, Kai actually trained for Manchester City as a seven-year-old. He earned plaudits for his ability, with coaches even saying then that they could see he had the potential to become a professional footballer.

His father then left England to sign for MLS outfit, DC United, who are based in Washington. Rooney's family moved with him and Kai played for the Bethesda SC Washington club. The Rooney family spent two years in America before returning to England, where it was time for Kai to make his next move.

It was reported that Man City wanted him to return to their academy ranks, but in 2020 Kai signed a contract with rivals Manchester United.

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Wayne, the record goalscorer for the Red Devils, responded to those claiming that he made the choice for his son by saying: "He had other options but decided he wanted to sign with Manchester United. It was his decision, not mine."

Kai took the number 10 shirt at Old Trafford, worn famously by his father, with United first-team coach Mike Phelan joking that he was not ready for another Rooney in his ranks.

"Not sure I can handle another. Keep grafting young un and listen to yer Dad," Phelan posted.

Soon after signing, a video of Kai Rooney scoring a long-range free kick hit the internet.

The buzz around Kai increased when he scored a hat-trick and set up the other three goals for the under-11s in a 6-3 win over Stoke City in May 2021.

In October, playing for the under-12 team, he scored four goals in a match against Liverpool. Unfortunately, while Kai took home the match ball, Liverpool took home the points, winning 5-4.

Could Kai Rooney be the player to bring the glory days back to Old Trafford?

He certainly has a lot to live up to, with Wayne having picked up countless individual awards at United, including the PFA Players' Player of the Year and PFA Young Player of the Year (twice) in addition to five Premier League titles and a Champions League.

However, he has the right guidance and support behind him and is at one of the world's top academies. The Rooney name should be more of a help than a hindrance, too.

His dad has revealed he wants to manage at the very top level and it could be that Kai emerges at Old Trafford under his father.

And despite only being 12, Kai has even given thought to what he wants to do when his playing days are over.

He told his dad: "I love driving home with you because I love listening to the conversations so when I'm old and I'm the manager I'm getting a head start."

A Manchester United managing dynasty in the making, perhaps?