Kai Rooney made his Old Trafford bow as he came on as a substitute for Manchester United’s Under-18s in their FA Youth Cup clash against Derby with Michael Carrick watching on
Wayne and Coleen Rooney were joined in the Old Trafford directors’ box by Manchester United boss Michael Carrick as their son Kai, 16, made his debut at the Theatre of Dreams. Rooney Jr was in action for the Red Devils’ Under-18s in their clash against Derby in the FA Youth Cup.
He came on as a substitute in extra-time and looked lively during his short spell on the pitch, despite playing two years above his age group. United beat Derby 2-1 after the extra period to seal their progression through to the fifth round.
Carrick has made a point of throwing himself into all levels of the club since being named United manager until the end of the season following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
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He was in attendance at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday night to watch United’s U21s beat Sporting Lisbon, a journey his predecessor failed to make once in his 14-month tenure.
Carrick was flanked by assistants Steve Holland, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, and the quartet were all in attendance once again at Old Trafford on Friday night.
The U18s victory, courtesy of an own goal by Luca Crolla and a smart finish by Chido Obi, made it a hat-trick of victories inside a week for United’s first team, U21s and their kids.
On his decision to attend, Carrick said: “My message of support is that I’m coming along to watch and I’m excited. I was lucky enough to play in and win the FA Youth Cup when I was young at West Ham.
“It’s such an important competition, especially for this club. Young players, Old Trafford under the floodlights, feeling what it means, a bit of expectation.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step. We’re all fully behind them, it’ll be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
Kai’s first Old Trafford appearance comes fives years after he signed his first contract with the club his father played for with such distinction, becoming United’s all-time record goal scorer.
The crowd of just over 2,000 fans serenaded the youngster with the familiar ‘Rooney, Rooney’ chants that poured out of the Stretford End for his father.
Rooney Sr had already burst on to the scene as a 16-year-old, scoring a memorable goal for Everton against Arsenal as he set the world alight at his boyhood club.
He left Goodison Park for United aged 18 and would go on to play 559 games for the club, scoring 253 goals. He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League during his time at Old Trafford.
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