Kai Rooney models his United academy game on Martinelli rather than father Wayne

Kai Rooney has named former Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli as the player he models his game on as he continues his rise through Manchester United’s academy — not his father, the club’s all-time leading scorer Wayne Rooney.

The 16-year-old has been part of United’s setup since rejoining at the age of 11 and took a significant step forward this summer by signing his first-year scholarship deal, marking the occasion with the declaration: “Work starts now.” His progress was briefly interrupted in March when an injury ruled him out of United’s FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

Kai has also evolved positionally, moving away from the central attacking role associated with his father and into a wide berth where he can cut inside onto his left foot — a profile that mirrors Martinelli’s approach during his time at Arsenal. Martinelli, who left the Emirates for Al Hilal in a £60 million transfer after 278 appearances for the Gunners, has spoken about the foundations of his own development, crediting Futsal with sharpening his technical instincts.

“Futsal was really important in my growth in football,” Martinelli 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.”

Off the pitch, Kai recently collected his GCSE results, passing all subjects while managing a demanding football schedule, and has secured a place in sixth form. His mother Coleen celebrated the achievement publicly, writing: “Super proud — great results especially with a busy schedule.”

The next formal milestone arrives when he turns 17 and becomes eligible to sign a professional contract. Wayne Rooney has been deliberate about keeping his distance from Kai’s development, preferring not to add to the scrutiny that inevitably follows his son.

“I think it’s very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds,” Wayne 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.”