Surname 'Rooney' is working again – next up is Kai

Wayne Rooney’s son, Kai, made a memorable impact in just his second outing for Manchester United’s Under-18s, netting his first goal for the side.

The 15-year-old had already turned heads last week when he skipped three age groups to make his debut against Everton.

On Saturday, Kai once again started on the bench for the match against Middlesbrough. Academy coach Darren Fletcher—a former United teammate of his father—brought him on in the second half.

Kai needed little time to announce himself, scoring a deflected half-volley in the 76th minute as United were cruising 4-0.

Earlier in the game, standout 14-year-old JJ Gabriel had scored twice, setting United on course for a dominant performance at Carrington. The team eventually ran out 5-0 winners, maintaining their strong start to the season under Fletcher’s guidance.

Able to operate as a striker or out wide, Kai also impressed at the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland earlier this summer.

Born in November 2009, Kai is the eldest child of Wayne and Colleen Rooney. He joined United’s academy in 2020 and has steadily worked his way through the youth ranks.

Reflecting on his son’s progress, Wayne Rooney said: "He just plays, that's what he's always done. It's unfair to expect too much — he's only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well."

Kai will no doubt dream of one day following in his father’s footsteps and featuring for the United first team.

Wayne Rooney remains Manchester United’s all-time top scorer, with 253 goals in 559 appearances between 2004 and 2017.

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 2

Friday

West Ham - Chelsea 1-5 (1-3)

/Paqueta 6 - Pedro 15, Neto 23, Fernandez 34, Caicedo 54, Chalobah 58/

Saturday

Man.City - Tottenham 0-2 (0-2)

/Johnson 35, Palhinha 45+2/

Bournemouth - Wolverhampton 1-0 (1-0)

/Tavernier 4/

Brentford - Aston Villa 1-0 (1-0)

/Outtara 13/

Burnley - Sunderland 2-0 (0-0)

/Cullen 47, Anthony 88/

Arsenal - Leeds 5-0 (2-0)

/Timber 34, 56, Saka 45+1, Gyokeres 48, 90+5 pen/

Sunday

16.00: (2.40) Crystal Palace (3.40) Nott.Forest (3.20)

16.00: (3.35) Everton (3.40) Brighton (2.30)

18.30: (3.60) Fulham (3.50) Man.Utd. (2.15)

Monday

22.00: (3.40) Newcastle (3.50) Liverpool (2.10)

***odds are subject to change***