Published 2 days ago • loading... • Updated 2 days ago

Kai Rooney and Chido Obi Exchange Messages After Man United Unleash Three Future Stars

On Jan 23, 2026, Kai Rooney made his first competitive Old Trafford appearance, entering as a 99th-minute substitute during an FA Youth Cup fourth round win over Derby County.
Ahead of the game he posted the Instagram hint with a photo captioned `OT` and emojis, while the first team being away at Arsenal freed Old Trafford for youth matches under FA Youth Cup eligibility rules.
With Wayne Rooney watching from the directors' box alongside wife Coleen, Michael Carrick and senior staff attended to support the U18s managed by Darren Fletcher with JJ Gabriel and Chido Obi starting.
The result advances United and extends Kai's pathway within the academy as Manchester United Under-18s progress to the Youth Cup quarterfinals to face Oxford United after beating Derby.
Privacy concerns that once limited Wayne Rooney's attendance remain relevant as Kai Rooney's profile grows, with Kai having asked his father not to attend grassroots matches due to fans and media attention.

Insights by Ground AI

19 Articles

Kai Rooney makes Old Trafford debut for Man Utd at 16 as Coleen and Wayne watch

Kai Rooney made his debut at Old Trafford on Friday night as he came on as a substitute for Manchester United's Under-18s in their FA Youth Cup clash against Derby

2 days ago·Wales, United Kingdom

Read Full Article

ESPN

Reposted by

ESPN India

Lean Left

Wayne Rooney's son, Kai, makes Old Trafford debut with Man United U18s

Kai Rooney followed in his father Wayne's famous footsteps on Friday as he made his first competitive appearance at Manchester United's Old Trafford during an FA Youth Cup match.

2 days ago·United States

Read Full Article

Daily Express

Lean Right

Kai Rooney drops Man Utd hint as dad faces 'heartbreaking' absence

Wayne Rooney's son, Kai, has been featuring for Manchester United's Under-18s this season - and the 16-year-old could soon play at Old Trafford

2 days ago·United Kingdom

Read Full Article

GB News

Lean Right

Kai Rooney drops sensational hint he's about to follow in father's footsteps at Man Utd

Kai Rooney appears poised to step onto the Old Trafford pitch tonight, potentially marking a historic moment for the Manchester United dynasty.The 16-year-old son of club legend Wayne took to Instagram earlier today to share a nostalgic photograph from the 2014-15 season, showing himself as a young boy walking across the Theatre of Dreams turf alongside his father.His caption simply read "OT" accompanied by heart and eyes emojis.Supporters have …

2 days ago·London, United Kingdom

Read Full Article