Kai Rooney models his game on Martinelli, not father Wayne, as United scholarship begins

Kai Rooney has identified Gabriel Martinelli as his primary footballing role model as he embarks on his first-year scholarship at Manchester United, distancing his own development from direct comparisons with his father Wayne.

The 16-year-old, who joined United’s academy in 2020 at the age of 11, signed his scholarship contract this summer after passing all his GCSEs — a milestone his mother Coleen celebrated publicly, writing: “Super proud @kairooney.10 … Great results especially with a busy schedule, all passed and a place in 6th form.”

Unlike Wayne, who operated predominantly as a central forward, Kai has transitioned to playing out wide, where he looks to cut inside onto his left foot. It is in that role that Martinelli — the Brazilian winger who made 278 appearances for Arsenal before departing for Al Hilal in a £60 million move — serves as his reference point.

Martinelli himself has spoken about the foundations of his technical ability, crediting Futsal with sharpening his game. “Futsal was really important in my growth in football,” he said in a November 2024 interview. “You play in a smaller pitch or court and you have to think quicker. How you control the ball is different. You don’t have much space so it helps you a lot.”

Kai’s season was disrupted in March when an injury ended his campaign prematurely, ruling him out of a potential appearance in United’s FA Youth Cup final, which the club lost to Manchester City.

His scholarship deal allows him to continue his education while progressing through the academy structure. The next significant contractual milestone arrives when he turns 17 and becomes eligible to sign his first professional deal.

Wayne has been careful to manage expectations around his son, preferring to let the teenager develop without added pressure. “I think it’s very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds,” the former United captain said. “He’s just playing, he’s a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.”