Coleen Rooney reveals Kai nearly chose hip-hop dancing over Man United career

Kai Rooney is on course to follow his father Wayne into Manchester United’s first team, but his mother Coleen has revealed the teenager once came close to choosing hip-hop dancing over football entirely.

Speaking on Hits Radio, Coleen described how Kai — the oldest of her four sons with Wayne — was part of an all-boys hip-hop dance group in his younger years and faced a genuine crossroads when training sessions for both activities clashed on the same day.

“When Kai was younger he loved dancing,” she said. “It came to the crunch because he had to decide between dancing and football because they all happened on the same day.”

Even after Kai chose football, Coleen admitted there were moments that tested her confidence in that decision. She recalled watching him perform Michael Jackson dance moves in goal during a youth match — one glove on — and wondering whether she was wasting her time bringing him to training. The coach’s relaxed response, she said, ultimately put her mind at ease: “As long as he enjoys his time here, just keep bringing him. It’s fine.”

Now 16, Kai has recently signed a first-year scholarship deal with United’s academy, allowing him to continue his education while pursuing a professional career. He has been part of the club’s setup since returning to the academy at the age of 11 and currently plays for the Under-18s.

Wayne, United’s all-time record scorer and a 16-trophy winner at Old Trafford, said he and Coleen never pushed their son towards the game. “I’m so proud watching him. We’ve never pushed him to go into football, it’s what he wants to do,” he said. “He’s grown up in a different area and a different time, a bit more privileged with what we can give him. But the fact he’s got that hunger and desire to go and play football, I’m so proud.”

The next major milestone for Kai will be signing a professional contract when he turns 17. His progress last season was disrupted by an injury that ruled him out of United’s FA Youth Cup final, which the club went on to lose to Manchester City.