Kai Rooney follows Wayne's exact pre-match diet as Man Utd prospect turns 17

Kai Rooney is modelling his pre-match nutrition almost identically on the diet his father Wayne followed during his career at Manchester United, as the 17-year-old continues to make a strong impression in the club’s academy.

Two days before a match, Kai eats chicken and pasta — the same combination Wayne relied on throughout his playing days. The night before a game he switches to salmon, rice and rice pudding, before starting matchday with oatmeal mixed with honey and protein powder.

The dietary discipline comes at a moment when Kai’s form is drawing attention inside Carrington. Last week he scored four goals in a 6-0 victory over Burnley’s under-18s, then added another in a 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers four days later, though that appearance ended early after he was shown a second yellow card in the second half.

For all his nutritional rigour, Kai does allow himself the occasional indulgence. His cheat meal of choice is a Chinese takeaway from WowYauChow in Altrincham — a family favourite — where his preferred dish is reportedly the crispy chilli beef.

Beyond football, Kai is said to enjoy cooking and is fluent in Spanish. His progress through United’s academy was documented in the family docu-series The Real Rooneys, which premiered on Disney+ last month.

Wayne, 41, spoke candidly about his son’s development in the series. “Kai is determined to be a football player. I try to give a little bit of advice when I can, really. I think what we are trying to do is help him be ready, whether that’s for football or something else,” he said.

“He’s at that point now in life where you think you know everything. You think you know more, and you’re better than everyone. When people talk to me now, they still say the one thing they loved about me, more than anything, was my work rate. That’s the biggest compliment you can get. This is just the start for Kai. He’s the only one who can do it. It’s got to come from inside of you.”