Man United insiders back Kai Rooney after four-goal haul in under-18s rout

Kai Rooney scored four goals, including a perfect hat-trick, as Manchester United’s under-18s demolished Burnley 6-0, with club insiders describing the 16-year-old as a genuine talent capable of climbing the academy ranks at Old Trafford.

The son of United’s all-time leading scorer turns 17 on Monday and has already stepped above his age group this season, making his under-21s debut and featuring in the under-19 UEFA Youth League. A first-team appearance is not considered imminent, but those outings signal steady upward progress.

“As a player, Kai impacts games; he’s tenacious, he has an eye for goal,” one club insider told The Athletic. “We are now interested to see what he’s like as he gets fitter and healthier since he had injuries and setbacks last year. Now, he’s been able to get into a rhythm since the start of the year. That’s key, that’s the first time it has happened at the higher levels.”

Predominantly a right winger, Rooney is primarily left-footed but comfortable with both — a point underlined when he netted with each foot against Burnley. The versatility draws natural comparisons with his father, though insiders are careful to assess Kai on his own terms.

A second United insider offered a vivid character sketch: “He’s a great kid. Holds his own 100 per cent. He is a goalscorer who is quick off the shoulder. He’s explosive over five to ten yards. He’s not the biggest — he’s going to be like his dad’s build. Small, squat, aggressive. When he’s on it, he’s on it. He just has to be more consistent. But he has moments like against Burnley where he can get you off the edge of your seat.”

A coach with direct experience of working with the younger Rooney added that Kai carries significant self-confidence and is an accurate shooter with both feet — attributes the club believes can be refined as he builds consistency at higher age-group levels.

United insiders say the priority now is keeping Rooney fit and in rhythm after a disrupted previous campaign. His inclusion in squads above his age group suggests the club views him as one of the more promising players in the current academy cycle, even if comparisons with his father remain a high bar to clear.