Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney posts heartfelt message to son after debut | Football | Sport
Wayne Rooney posted a message on social media following his son Kai’s Old Trafford bow in Manchester United’s under-18s’ FA Youth Cup victory against Derby County. The 16-year-old was named amongst the substitutes and entered the action in the 99th minute after the match remained scoreless through regulation time.
Chido Obi and JJ Gabriel both featured from the start and consistently troubled Derby goalkeeper Cristiano Dzialuk, though his heroics kept the scoreline blank until the additional period. United finally found the breakthrough through an own goal, before Obi doubled their advantage in the 103rd minute.
Derby managed to reduce the deficit, but it proved insufficient to prevent Darren Fletcher’s team from progressing to the last eight. Observing from the directors’ box with wife Coleen, Rooney witnessed his son’s maiden Old Trafford appearance. They were accompanied by United head coach Michael Carrick and senior coaching personnel.
Posting to Instagram later, Rooney Sr uploaded a throwback image from his playing career, depicting him emerging at Old Trafford with a young Kai, “Then and now. Proud of you, Kai,” he penned.
Kai had teased his participation earlier that day, posting an Instagram photograph of himself as a youngster stepping onto the Old Trafford turf beside his father. Following the match, he also uploaded images with the message “FAYC W next round,” accompanied by a ‘soon’ emoji.
Carrick, who assumed control from Fletcher after Ruben Amorim‘s exit, delivered encouraging words to the club’s rising stars. “My message of support is that I’m coming along to watch and I’m excited.
“I was lucky enough to play in, and win the FA Youth Cup when I was young at West Ham. It’s such an important competition, especially for this club. Young players, Old Trafford under the floodlights, feeling what it means, a bit of expectation.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step. We’re all fully behind them, it’ll be a tough game, but we’re looking forward to it.”
