Wayne Rooney and son Kai Rooney (Image: Getty)
The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney, Kai, has responded with a four-word statement after reports emerged that he has been offered a contract by Manchester United.
Kai has spent several years progressing through the United academy and operates as an attacker, mirroring Rooney Senior’s playing style. Having demonstrated potential within the youth ranks, Kai is among a group of 14 highly promising youngsters reportedly offered new terms by United.
The Sun initially revealed on Thursday that Kai and Jacey Carrick, son of the Red Devils’ current head coach, Michael, have been offered new deals alongside other prospects. If accepted, Rooney Jr would sign a one-year scholarship which would subsequently convert into a three-year professional contract upon turning 17.
The report suggested the contract would see him receive roughly £50,000 annually plus a yearly signing-on fee, though the Rooney family have yet to approve the arrangement.
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However, mere hours after the report appeared in The Sun and subsequently the Daily Mail, Kai issued a response. In an Instagram story, Kai stated: “don’t listen to mail [three laughing face emojis].”
A source revealed to The Sun in the initial report: “The group is very strong and the majority of the boys including Kai and Jacey have been offered deals. It means when they finish school they can go into full-time ‘football employment’ and then when they turn 17 are guaranteed a pro status.
Kai Rooney of Manchester United (Image: Getty)
“They still have a long way to go to make the grade, but they can be very proud that the club thinks they have a chance of making it.”
Wayne, who holds the record for the most goals scored for the club, expressed his pride last month after watching his eldest son play for Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County.
He said: “Kai got moved up to the under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on. It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton.
“It was a proud moment and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully he continues that and he can have a good run with the team.”
Kai’s mother, Coleen, has stressed that they have not forced their children to follow in Wayne’s footsteps. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2024, she stated: “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 Rooney (Image: Getty)
Wayne has voiced his approval for the attention Michael Carrick and his coaching staff have given to the academy since assuming control. Speaking on his BBC podcast last month, he said: “It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years, some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team, so it is important they have that interest.
“On Saturday, they were all at the under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.
“I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven’t seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players and the players’ parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run.”