Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney was allowed to watch his son Kai in action once more, though one of the youngster’s colleagues managed to steal the spotlight. The teenage Rooney has established himself as a regular feature in the Red Devils’ Under-18 squad this campaign as he tries to emulate his father’s illustrious career.

The 16-year-old took to the pitch again this week during United’s commanding 6-1 triumph over Derby. Despite starting amongst the substitutes, Kai entered proceedings after half-time. He ensured he left his mark by providing the assist for Noah Ajayi’s strike, which completed the scoring. Wayne was among the spectators, accompanied by former team-mate John O’Shea.

United interim manager Michael Carrick was also in attendance, alongside coaching staff members Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate. Wayne has resumed watching his son play, having previously been requested to avoid attending matches at less prominent venues, though he did witness Kai’s Old Trafford debut earlier in the year.

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Speaking in 2024, wife Coleen said: “That’s the thing with kids I think, it’s hard to go on days out. Kai told Wayne to stop coming to football games, when he played grassroots tournaments and stuff because he used to get swarmed and he couldn’t even watch the game.

“How do you say to all of these kids, ‘Go away, I’m watching my son?’ Adults, it’s different, you could speak to them. So he (Kai) just said, ‘Oh, dad there’s no point you coming because you don’t even watch me play anyway.’

“Which is sad, but it can’t be helped anyway. At the same time, the fans help you along the way and get you where you are.”

While Wayne would have been delighted to witness his son’s contribution, it was actually Kai’s team-mates who dominated the headlines. Ajayi found the net twice and both Louie Bradbury and JJ Gabriel grabbed a brace apiece.

Wayne has previously shared his perspective on the current generation of youngsters at Old Trafford, suggesting they faced increased scrutiny following Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to the club, which coincided with his son representing the side.

He said: “There’s a bit more pressure on them as well. Kai and [when Cristiano] Ronaldo came back, Ronaldo’s lads and Michael Carrick’s lad were all on the same team.

“You go and watch and then all of a sudden there’s like 10 times the amount of people that’s normally there, all around the pitch watching, so there’s a lot more pressure because they’re coming to watch the three kids to see how they play and stuff. They’ve got to be ready.”