Kai Rooney's stunning Man Utd goals record and how it compares to Wayne's youth career

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Attempting to emerge from Wayne Rooney's shadow could be one of the most formidable challenges ever assigned to a young footballer. But Kai Rooney is making a decent go of it.

The 16-year-old prospect in Manchester United's academy has his sights set on following in his famous father's footsteps and earning a place in the senior squad at Old Trafford.

Replicating Wayne's extraordinary accomplishments - he scored 253 times to become United's record goalscorer - is a daunting task, but Kai has offered encouraging evidence of his potential as he progresses through the club's youth system.

If early numbers are any indication, the apple definitely doesn't fall far from the tree. In the 2021/22 campaign with United's Under-12 side, Kai delivered eye-catching statistics.

The young forward amassed a remarkable 56 goals and contributed 28 assists in one season alone. That means he played a direct role in 84 goals throughout the year - an exceptional tally that quickly sparked parallels with his dad's iconic finishing ability.

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He has continued to demonstrate a clinical edge while advancing through the age groups. Earlier this month, he struck four times for United's U16s, and his consistent performances have also earned him several outings with the U18 squad, despite being one of its youngest members.

Across four appearances at U18 level this season - each from the bench - Kai has managed to score once even with restricted minutes. Logging just over an hour in total, that return is commendable and underlines his natural awareness in front of goal.

But how does Kai's impressive academy résumé compare with Wayne's legendary exploits as a youngster on Merseyside? Simply put, the early achievements of Rooney Snr. sound almost fictional.

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Well before he was tormenting Premier League defenders, Wayne was smashing scoring records in grassroots football. Representing Liverpool Schoolboys, the teenage Wayne once produced 72 goals in a single season - a benchmark that lasted nearly two decades.

At only nine, turning out for Copplehouse boys' club in the Walton and Kirkdale junior league, he struck an astonishing 99 goals during the 1994/95 season. That relentless scoring spree attracted Everton scout Bob Pendleton, who secured his signature for the Toffees and altered the trajectory of the English game.

After entering Everton's academy, the goals kept flowing. In 1995/96, splitting time between the club's U10 and U11 teams, Wayne compiled an extraordinary 114 goals in just 29 matches - nearly four per outing.

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His growth, both physically and technically, accelerated so quickly that by 15 he had already advanced to Everton's U19 side.

During Everton's journey to the 2002 FA Youth Cup Final, a 16-year-old Wayne netted eight times in eight fixtures. Although Everton were beaten by Aston Villa in the final, Wayne made headlines by scoring and unveiling a shirt that declared, "Once a Blue, always a Blue."

Soon after, he joined Everton's senior squad for a pre-season trip to Austria and scored his first top-level goal in a 3-1 friendly win over SC Weiz on July 15, 2002. Not long afterward, he stunned the football world with a spectacular long-range strike against Arsenal , becoming the competition's youngest scorer at that time. The rest is history.

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While equalling Wayne's astonishing 114-goal youth campaigns may represent an unreachable standard, Kai Rooney is already displaying the same ruthless instinct in the penalty area.

Wayne was a once-in-a-generation figure who physically dominated rivals far older than himself, famously debuting in the Premier League at 16 - the same age Kai is today. Though Kai's ascent has been more measured, he is steadily building an impressive portfolio at Carrington, refining his skills and shaping a journey that, although distinct, carries significant promise.

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