Rooney shuts down Owen's agent suggestion as Kai signs with father's management firm

Wayne Rooney gave short shrift to Michael Owen’s idea that he might double as agent for his son Kai, simply laughing and saying “No, no” when the former England team-mate raised the prospect in Owen’s new documentary series, Meet the Owens.

The exchange took place after a taping of the Wayne Rooney Show and offers a rare glimpse into the private dynamic between two of English football’s most recognisable former strikers as they navigate their children’s early steps in the game.

Kai Rooney, 16, has in fact already secured professional representation. He has signed with Triple S Sports Management — the global agency owned by Paul Stretford, who also managed his father throughout his playing career. The agency confirmed the deal on social media, writing: “Delighted to announce the signing of Kai Rooney to Triple S Sports! We’re excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game.”

Kai has been part of Manchester United’s academy since the age of 11 and recently signed a scholarship deal at Old Trafford. His father has deliberately kept his distance from the day-to-day coaching environment, telling the BBC: “He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand-off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it — that’s the main thing for me.”

Mother Coleen Rooney has also spoken about how the family tries to prepare Kai for the scrutiny that comes with his surname. “He’s lived it from a young age,” she told The Times. “He’s strong-minded, always has been. I’ve got no worries in the way he deals with it. It’s nice that we know what to expect, and we can try to guide him.”

Elsewhere in Meet the Owens, Michael Owen reveals an emotional moment of his own. The former Liverpool and Newcastle forward describes breaking down in tears after learning that his son James had been diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a condition that causes progressive central vision loss typically beginning in childhood or adolescence. Owen had hoped James would pursue a professional football career, making the diagnosis particularly difficult for the family to process.