Wayne Rooney has opened up about the special moment his son Kai made his debut for Manchester United's Under-18s at Old Trafford, revealing the teenager's immediate four-word reaction after the match. The 16-year-old came off the bench in the FA Youth Cup clash against Derby County, marking a significant milestone in his budding football career.
Kai Rooney's Memorable Old Trafford Bow
Kai Rooney, who joined Manchester United's academy at the age of 11 in 2020, featured as a substitute in the 2-1 fourth-round victory over Derby County. This appearance represented his long-awaited debut at United's famous home ground, nearly nine years after his father played his final match at the Theatre of Dreams. Despite having previously played for the Under-18s in other venues, this occasion held particular significance for the young prospect.
Family Support Despite Previous Ban
Interestingly, Wayne and his wife Coleen were present in the stands to witness their son's debut, despite Kai having previously asked his father not to attend his youth matches. This request stemmed from concerns that supporters would mob the former England captain for autographs, preventing him from properly watching his son play. However, at Old Trafford, Wayne sat alongside Michael Carrick, the interim manager of United's first team, in the directors' box where such disruptions were unlikely.
Coleen Rooney has previously explained that Kai felt there was little point in his father attending his games due to these distractions, making this occasion a rare exception to the family's usual arrangement.
The Priceless Four-Word Reaction
Speaking on his BBC podcast, The Wayne Rooney Show, the football legend shared what Kai said to him during the journey home from Old Trafford. The teenager's first words were: "The pitch was massive." This simple observation captured the awe many young players feel when stepping onto the hallowed turf for the first time.
Rooney then provided some context, dispelling the common myth about Old Trafford's dimensions. "Steven Gerrard always used to say to me how big the Old Trafford pitch is, which it actually isn't because it's the same maximum size as a lot of grounds in the Premier League. But the surroundings make it feel bigger," he explained, highlighting how the stadium's atmosphere can create this perception.
A Father's Pride and Memories
The 40-year-old expressed his paternal pride at seeing his son take this important step. "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," Rooney said, drawing parallels between their respective youth careers.
Kai Rooney's Development at Manchester United
Kai was just 15 when he first played for United's Under-18s in August 2025, ironically against Everton where his father began his professional career. Since then, he has featured sporadically for the side, with some injury setbacks limiting his involvement. Despite being one of the youngest players in the squad after being fast-tracked through the ranks, he has consistently impressed when given opportunities.
The Rooney family's football connections extend beyond Kai. His brother Klay is also progressing through United's youth system, while Cass is following his father's early path at Everton's academy. Interestingly, another brother, Kit, has already 'retired' from pursuing football, showing the varied paths within the same family.
This debut represents another chapter in the Rooney family's football legacy, with Kai now taking his own steps toward potentially following in his father's footsteps at one of the world's most famous football clubs.
