Kai Rooney makes UEFA Youth League debut as Man United's Under-18s fall 3-0 to Atletico Madrid

Kai Rooney made his UEFA Youth League debut as a substitute in Manchester United’s 3-0 defeat to Atletico Madrid in Spain on Tuesday, returning to competitive action after a foot injury had sidelined him since March.

The 16-year-old replaced Jacob Watson in the 66th minute at the Wanda Metropolitano — the same venue where the senior sides met later that evening — but was unable to prevent a heavy loss for the young Red Devils.

Rooney’s previous season had been cut short by the foot problem, which also ruled him out of the Under-18s FA Youth Cup final against Manchester City in May, a match United lost 2-1. At the time he posted on Instagram: “Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season.”

Despite the setbacks, the forward had already shown encouraging signs of recovery before Tuesday’s trip to Spain. He played 77 minutes in the Under-18s’ 2-2 Premier League Cup draw against Chelsea at the weekend, suggesting he was building back towards full fitness.

The Youth League appearance adds another chapter to what has been a breakthrough campaign for the son of Manchester United’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney. Earlier in the season he helped the Under-16s win the Super Cup NI and made his Under-18s debut before injury intervened. He also played 21 minutes at Old Trafford in the FA Youth Cup fourth-round win over Derby County in January, and was an unused substitute for the quarter-final victory against Sunderland in March.

Rooney signed a scholarship agreement with United in July, entering the club’s Professional Development Phase. He will become eligible to sign his first professional contract when he turns 17 on 2 November.