Kai Rooney scores on U18s debut day after suffering late heartbreak in PL2 bow

Kai Rooney marked a landmark weekend in his fledgling career by scoring for Manchester United’s U18s just 24 hours after suffering a late defeat on his Premier League 2 debut, posting a celebration photo on social media with the caption: “back on the scoresheet.”

The 16-year-old son of United legend Wayne was introduced as a substitute with 12 minutes remaining in Friday’s PL2 fixture against Nottingham Forest at Loughborough University, with the score level at 2-2. Rather than inspiring a winning goal, Rooney’s cameo ended in disappointment as Forest struck late to seal a 3-2 victory — the development squad’s first defeat of the season after opening wins over Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Brentford.

Rooney had little time to dwell on the setback. The following day he was back in the starting line-up for United’s U18s, also against Nottingham Forest, and gave his side the lead in the first half. He was substituted in the 66th minute, and United were unable to hold on, with Forest equalising in the 78th minute to earn a 1-1 draw.

The double-header capped a hectic stretch for the teenager. Just the week before, he had made his U19s debut as a second-half substitute in a UEFA Youth League tie against Atletico Madrid, a match United lost 3-0.

Rooney signed a two-year scholarship with the club in July. The deal carries the option to convert into a three-year professional contract worth around £50,000 per year, plus an annual signing-on fee.

His mother, Coleen Rooney, shed light on the unique pressures of growing up as the son of one of England’s most recognisable footballers when she appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here in 2024. She revealed that Kai had asked his father to stop attending his grassroots matches because Wayne’s presence drew such large crowds that he was unable to watch the game. “He just said, ‘Oh, dad there’s no point you coming because you don’t even watch me play anyway,’” Coleen said.