Chip off the old block! Super-sub Kai Rooney produces ice-cold finish for Man United U18s – and Sir Jim Ratcliffe watches on from the stands
Wayne Rooney’s eldest son Kai was back on the scoresheet once again as Manchester United’s under-18s secured a 3-1 victory against West Ham.
The win at Carrington means young Rooney and his team-mates will face Crystal Palace in the Under-18 Premier League Cup final.
Rooney’s son has been a lively presence in United’s youth teams in recent weeks; Last month, he scored four goals in one game as the under-16 team cruised to a 6-0 victory against Norwich.
The 16-year-old, who was a substitute in extra time, was ice cold as he received a deflected pass in the middle of the opposition penalty area on Wednesday afternoon.
On the run, Kai misdirected the goalkeeper to get past him and find the back of the net in extra time.
Prodigal academy star JJ Gabriel had earlier equalized to win extra time after the visitors had scored early.
Victory came under the watchful eye of Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe; He watched the youngsters progress towards the final, a rare sight in the academy stands.
Ratcliffe is thought to have then flown to the North East for the senior team’s Premier League test against Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Kai is a regular in the under-16 team but was promoted during the season to add extra strength to Darren Fletcher’s squad.
Like Gabriel, who has made many headlines with his unique young talent, Kai is a player Man United want to keep. According to the Sun, he has been offered a £50,000-a-year scholarship deal by the club, along with a ‘very strong’ group of 13 other youngsters.
Rooney was last in the stands when his father and mother Coleen made Kai’s debut at Old Trafford this year as the under-18s beat Derby 6-1 at Carrington.
‘1 (goal emoji) – towards the final (bicep curl emoji),’ Kai shared on his Instagram Stories after the result.
However, despite performing well for Manchester United, Kai stressed that he does not intend to just emulate his famous father.
‘I am my own person,’ he said in August. ‘I want to see how my career goes, of course I try to do my best and reach the biggest stages.
‘I just focus on myself and try not to let any pressure get to me and continue to work on myself day by day, month by month.’
