Kai Rooney’s brilliant response to question about dad as he drops Old Trafford hint | Football | Sport

Coleen Rooney has disclosed how her footballer son Kai reacts when questioned about his talents. Kai, 16, the eldest of Wayne and Coleen’s four boys, has suggested he will make his Old Trafford bow on Friday night, when Manchester United U18s take on Derby County in the FA Youth Cup.

Prior to the match, Kai, who once banned his dad from watching him play, took to Instagram to post an image of himself and his father, both wearing United strips, on the Old Trafford turf from around a decade ago. He accompanied the image with “OT” alongside heart and wide-eyed emojis, indicating he is poised to step onto the Old Trafford pitch as a player for the first time, which would mark a momentous occasion for the Rooney family.

Kai, who celebrated his 16th birthday in November, has recently secured his place in the squad, which is overseen by Darren Fletcher. However, his games so far weren’t at Old Trafford, as the youth team usually plays at Leigh Sports Village or Carrington.

Old Trafford is available as the first team are away to Arsenal on Sunday. While Kai is undeniably a promising talent, Wayne and Coleen have been determined not to burden him or their other children with expectations.

There has certainly been no demand that they attempt to emulate their father’s illustrious career. Coleen told the Mirror in September 2024: “We’ve never pressured them into even playing football.

“We’ve always just let them decide what they want to do. My eight-year-old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn’t want to, and that’s OK.

“I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we’re out, they do say, ‘Are you are as good as your dad?'”.

“Kai says ‘I’m a different type of player.’ You’ve got to let them know that you don’t have to follow and to be your own person.”

Kai is currently under Fletcher’s guidance, with the Scotsman having returned to the youth set-up after his two-match spell as caretaker first-team manager following Ruben Amorim’s dismissal.

Michael Carrick has now assumed control for the remainder of the campaign, with former England assistant Steve Holland brought in as his deputy. Jonathan Woodgate and Jonny Evans have also been recruited into the coaching structure.