Rooney Returns to Old Trafford: Kai’s Debut
The 'Bad Boy’s' heir played his first minutes at the Theatre of Dreams under the watchful eyes of Wayne Rooney, who made no secret of his emotion on social media
Old Trafford has once again surrendered to the Rooney name, but this time the protagonist was not Manchester United's all-time leading scorer, but his first-born son. At 16 years old, Kai Rooney experienced a night he will hardly forget: his official debut on the turf where his father became a legend.
Wayne Rooney, who recently turned 40, swapped the manager's dugout and TV studios for a seat in the stands. It wasn't an exhibition match or a nostalgic tribute; it was the FA Youth Cup. Kai, who inherits his father's attacking instinct, showed flashes of that characteristic mobility, alternating between central play and drifting out to the wings in a way that recalled the best years of the famous number '10'.
A Circle Completed
The scene in the box was a journey into the past. Alongside Rooney was Michael Carrick, another pillar of Sir Alex Ferguson's golden era; both were witnesses to the young Red Devils' 2-1 victory. For Kai, Old Trafford is not a new stage—he has walked it since he was a child, holding his father's hand—but doing so with his boots on and under the pressure of the clock marks a turning point in his budding career.
After the match, Wayne shared his pride on X with a photo comparison that quickly went viral. In one image, a young Kai posed at the stadium; in the other, the teenager is seen wearing the official kit in the heat of competition. The message was brief but deeply symbolic: 'Then and now. Proud of you, Kai.'
With this debut, the Rooney dynasty begins a new chapter at Manchester United. Although his father’s shadow looms large, Kai has taken the first step toward writing his own story at the 'Theatre of Dreams
