Kai Rooney response speaks volumes as Man Utd get clear message | Football | Sport

Kai Rooney has his sights set on playing at the highest level and winning trophies in the next five years. The 16-year-old son of Manchester United‘s record goalscorer, Wayne Rooney, also hopes to be rubbing shoulders with the world’s best players.

Responding to a question from The Talent Hunter on Instagram about where he hopes to be in five years, he said: “Playing on the biggest stage amongst the best players, winning trophies. The forward began playing for Man United’s under-18s this season at the age of 15, a few months before his birthday in November.

Rooney Jr. made his debut for United’s under-18s team at just 15 months before his November birthday. His first appearance was as a substitute during a 1-0 victory over Everton, his father’s childhood club, at Finch Farm in August.

He then came off the bench in their subsequent match, scoring the fifth goal in a 5-0 triumph over Middlesbrough at Carrington.

However, an injury early in the season sidelined him for months, but he has recently returned to action for Darren Fletcher’s side.

Rooney was back on the bench for United’s Premier League Cup match against Birmingham City, where he netted their sixth goal in a 6-0 rout. Following the game, he shared a photo on Instagram with the caption: “We back babyyyyyyy.”

His post received a like and a football emoji comment from Marcus Rashford, along with supportive messages from teammates Chido Obi, Jack Fletcher, JJ Gabriel, and Shea Lacey.

Old Trafford saw both Fletcher and Lacey make the first-team bench for their Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United. Fletcher stepped in for Mason Mount at half-time, having made his debut alongside Lacey in the previous match vs Aston Villa.

Ruben Amorim spoke extensively about the prospects for academy players following the victory over Newcastle.

Amorim said: “We have a squad and I try to choose the best players to play. I understand the history of the club. I want to be part of that. Sometimes, you just need to choose the best players to win. Today was the opposite of many games; we put players of the academy in because we had to do it, and they deserved it.”

When asked about Fletcher, Amorim said: “It’s very important for any kid. He is going to hear from his father already. I know Darren is going to talk about a lot of things, but he needs to back up, calm down, and just praise the kid because he’s really humble. He works really hard and deserves this.”

Kai hopes to hear similar platitudes said about himself in the future. His father, while watching him play at the SuperCupNI tournament in Northern Ireland, spoke to the BBC about Kai.

Rooney Sr said: “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.”