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Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick among eight youngsters to sign Manchester United scholarships

The sons of Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick were among eight teenagers to sign scholarship deals with Manchester United at a special scholars night held at Old Trafford on Friday.

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Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick among eight youngsters to sign Manchester United scholarships
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Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick have signed scholarship contracts with Manchester United, joining six other teenagers inducted into the club’s Professional Development Phase at the annual scholars night at Old Trafford on Friday.

The pair, both 16, posed for a photograph together on the evening as their fathers looked on. United head coach Michael Carrick attended in a dual capacity — as first-team manager and as Jacey’s father — while Wayne Rooney was present on a break from his World Cup punditry commitments.

Kai Rooney made six appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season and also featured in the FA Youth Cup. He is expected to take on a more prominent role in Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 setup next term. Jacey Carrick made one Under-18 Premier League appearance last season, signing scholarship forms to continue his development.

A scholarship contract is the final step before a player becomes eligible for professional terms, which can take effect from their 17th birthday. Players often sign professional contracts before turning 17, with those deals activating on the birthday itself.

The six other scholars to sign this summer are Gazik Ibragimov, Edson Dejonge-Seiros, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Connor Laurie, and Jaume Camacho.

Attacker JJ Gabriel, who is 15, is not yet old enough to sign scholarship forms. United are expected to face competition to retain the highly-regarded youngster when he becomes eligible next season.

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