Michael Carrick was the popular pick to get the nod as Manchester United manager but not everyone might have expected reaction from the son of former team-mate Wayne Rooney
Michael Carrick is Manchester United’s new permanent manager(Image: Lee Parker – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Kai Rooney has hinted at his approval of Michael Carrick getting the permanent post at Manchester United. And it’s possible his dad’s old team-mate could even be the man responsible for handing him his senior debut if all goes to plan.
Carrick, 44, was given the United manager job on a contract until 2028 this past Friday. The club announced its decision following a successful trial as interim boss, during which Carrick has guided the team back to the Champions League and a third-place finish domestically.
Wayne Rooney publicly campaigned for his old team-mate to get the United gig long-term following his exploits this year. And now eldest son Kai, 16, appears to have shown he’s also in favour of the move.
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Kai, who has come through United’s academy with Carrick’s son, Jacey, reposted a United story on Instagram. By sharing the video confirming Carrick’s long-term appointment, Rooney Jr has made little effort to disguise his admiration for the move.
Carrick has been on hand to watch Rooney in action for United’s under-18s and other youth teams this season. After all, he’s been a part of the same squads as Carrick Jr, also 16, so it stands to reason he’d also be interacting with the latest Rooney prospect on occasion.
That inside route to the first-team manager may be just the edge Kai needs to get a leg up in hunt for a senior bow. However, dad Wayne would likely be the first to insist his son should get any promotion based on merit alone.
Rooney Jr reposting United’s Instagram story confirming Michael Carrick’s appointment seemed to hint at his positive opinion of the move(Image: Instagram/@kairooney.10)
Carrick’s son, Jacey, is in the United academy with Kai and was born just six months later(Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)
Rooney Jr played a role in the United under-18 squad that went to the final of the FA Youth Cup this season. However, his part was limited to a cameo in the fourth-round extra-time win over Derby County and he failed to appear in the latter stages as United finished as runners-up.
However, he’s still ahead of the curve given he’s had three goal involvements (two goals, one assist) in six appearances in the U18 Premier League. Jacey Carrick is still making that step up but made his U18 Premier League debut back in December.
Both Rooney and Carrick’s sons are well-placed to put their hands up for potential first-team involvement in the coming years. However, they may still need to bide their time before a call-up looks likely in the more immediate future.
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“You never know. I think he’s shown potential and good signs,” Rooney Sr said of his son in 2024. “He’ll be at United for the next two years and that’s when they make decisions on you so we’ll have to just wait and see.”
Judging by those comments, the next year or so could represent a major crossroads for both Kai and Jacey. But it at least appears as though the former feels the right man is in position at the head of the table to make a call over his future.