Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick sign Manchester United scholarships to follow their fathers' footsteps

Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick have signed scholarship contracts with Manchester United, joining six other academy prospects at the club’s annual scholars night at Old Trafford last Friday.

The two 16-year-olds — sons of United legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick — were welcomed into the club’s Professional Development Phase group alongside Gazik Ibragimov, Edson Dejonge-Seiros, Harlem McLaughlin, Pharell Silvester, Connor Laurie, and Jaume Camacho. Both fathers were present for the occasion, with Michael Carrick attending in his dual capacity as United head coach and proud parent, while Wayne Rooney took time away from World Cup punditry commitments.

Kai Rooney made six appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season and also made his FA Youth Cup debut. He is expected to feature more regularly for Darren Fletcher’s Under-18 side in the coming campaign.

Jacey Carrick managed one Under-18 Premier League appearance last term, but the midfielder’s scholarship signing signals the club’s continued belief in his development as he steps up to the next phase of his football education.

A scholarship contract represents the final formal stage before a player can sign professional terms, which become available from their 17th birthday. It is common for talented youngsters to agree professional deals before that milestone, with contracts activating on the relevant date.

Notably absent from this year’s group is 15-year-old JJ Gabriel, who is too young to sign scholarship forms at this stage. United are expected to face competition to retain the highly-rated attacker when he becomes eligible next season.