Kai Rooney has been making a name for himself in Manchester United’s academy but has now been dealt a cruel blow after suffering an injury
Kai Rooney and his father Wayne Rooney(Image: Getty Images)
Wayne Rooney’s 15-year-old son Kai has declared ‘life can’t get worse’ following a devastating injury for the Manchester United’s youth player.
The 35-year-old Rooney, who claimed countless honours at Old Trafford, harbours hopes that his eldest child might emulate his remarkable career.
But Kai has picked up an injury, reports the Mirror. Prior to this setback, Kai had been experiencing a meteoric rise through the ranks at his father’s former club.
He had recently earned promotion to the United Under-19s squad, where he was competing alongside players four years his senior.
The call-up was followed with a spectacular strike for the Under-18s, as he unleashed a left-footed volley that nestled in the top corner.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£49
£35
Sky
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
But any upward trajectory he had built must now be rebuilt during an enforced spell away from action. Kai shared a mirror selfie displaying the protective boot encasing his right foot.
Accompanying the image, he said: “Life can’t get worse” complete with a weeping emoji.
The exact nature of his injury or the duration of his absence remains uncertain.
Nevertheless, the sentiment expressed in his social media post hints it could be considerable time before he wears a United shirt again.
Whilst he has yet to capture public attention in the manner of his legendary father, he has significant potential.
The youngster usually plays in a central position for United, mirroring Rooney Sr’s role, but has also shown his versatility by performing well in wider areas.
His standout performance came during the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland earlier this summer, a tournament in which his father also shone as a budding talent at Everton.
Manchester United’s Kai Rooney celebrates scoring(Image: Getty Images)
Wayne, alongside wife Coleen and their youngest sons Kit and Cass, was seen cheering on Kai from the sidelines.
When asked about the influence he has had on his son’s burgeoning football career, the former England captain revealed that he prefers to let Kai find his own way in the game rather than inundating him with advice.
In an interview with BBC Sport, Rooney said: “I just let him play. I think they started the competition well, they won 3-0, he scored the penalty and got an assist. So I think he started OK. He just plays and that’s all he’s done during his time playing.
“I think it’s very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He’s just playing, he’s a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.”
Rooney also praised the coaching staff at United, stating: “He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it’s all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it – that’s the main thing for me.”
Kai has been a part of the United academy since he was 11 years old. He joined the youth system in 2020.
Get United transfer news and updates on WhatsApp!
Our team of Manchester United experts are on top of all the goings-on at Old Trafford for this week and beyond, and you can get the latest team news, injury updates, reaction and analysis along with inside information to your phone by joining our new free WhatsApp community. You can also join the 50,000 (and growing!) band of United fans who are following our WhatsApp Channel.
Sign up to our community here, and join our WhatsApp channel here.
—
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.