Man Utd youngster Kai Rooney shows off incredible body transformation | Football | Sport

Kai Rooney could soon be treading the same path as his father at Manchester United after catching the eye for the academy side last season. His activities off the pitch ahead of pre-season have sparked excitement amongst the Old Trafford faithful, hinting that he may be readying himself for senior action.

Kai, the 16-year-old son of Red Devils legend Wayne Rooney, is preparing for what could prove a pivotal campaign with Michael Carrick confirmed as the club’s new permanent boss in May. Despite fierce competition for spots in forward positions, it seems he is relishing the prospect. The youngster shared a cryptic image on social media on Tuesday which left supporters both puzzled and thrilled.

Posted to his Instagram Stories, Rooney’s gym selfie showed him flexing his bicep muscle. Supporters were unsure as to whether it was him in the photograph or somebody else altogether, before Kai later posted another image to prove it was him. That led to even more hype from the United faithful, who claimed he could even emulate his father’s achievements.

One supporter remarked on X: “Kai Rooney will be the only player to ever match/surpass his father’s superstar status, Records and achievements in football history.” Another added: “Damn how did we get from this to that in 3 months, this kid wants to oppress defenders like his father did.”

Rooney had been sidelined for the final months of the 2025/26 campaign after making his Under-18s debut back in January. With considerable time away from the pitch, it appears the youngster might have been putting those hours to good use in the gym.

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Given his age, it would come as little surprise if he were looking to add physicality ahead of a potential Premier League bow next term. Manager Carrick is well acquainted with Rooney’s abilities, having watched him closely as he came through the same age group as his son, Jacey.

The United boss has been observed keeping a keen eye on the Under-18s throughout last season, and may be prepared to offer him an opportunity to shine in domestic cup competitions next term. He could follow in the footsteps of Shea Lacey in breaking into the first team, alongside highly-rated United prospect JJ Gabriel.

Young Kai has narrowly missed the opportunity to become United’s youngest-ever player, having now surpassed the age of the club’s record holder, David Gaskell. That landmark has remained intact since 1955, despite United’s long-standing tradition of nurturing homegrown talent.

Yet he could still etch his name into the club’s record books as their youngest player of the Premier League era. That distinction currently belongs to Shola Shoretire, who made his appearance during the 2020/21 season at just 17 years and 19 days old.

He could also surpass his father’s record set 24 years ago, which launched the elder Rooney on his path to footballing stardom. Rooney Snr. famously made his Everton debut at the age of 16 years and 297 days, netting the decisive goal against Arsenal back in August 2002.

Kai could beat that milestone by as many as 12 days should he feature on the opening day of the Premier League season in mid-August. Even if he fails to win over Carrick before that point, it is abundantly clear that United supporters are already relishing the prospect of another member of the Rooney dynasty gracing the Old Trafford turf.