Wayne Rooney opens up on harsh change Kai had to make to fulfil Man Utd dream

View 2 Images

Wayne Rooney shared that his son, Kai, had to adapt his position at Manchester United to keep up with modern football. Kai, who celebrated his 16th birthday in November, emulated his father by joining United's academy at 11 years old in 2020.

He is on track to follow in his illustrious father's footsteps into the first team, having already received a call-up to United's Under-18s despite his young age. Kai could feature for the Under-18s once more on Wednesday evening as they face Oxford United in the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup.

Kai initially started his youth career as a forward, much like his father, who shocked the world when he emerged as a 16-year-old for Everton with his goal-scoring prowess. However, despite shining across various age groups as a No. 9, the teenager recently transitioned to a right-wing role.

Rooney revealed that Kai, a left-footer, has followed the broader trend in senior football of iconic players like Lionel Messi , Cristiano Ronaldo and Mohamed Salah cutting in from the flanks. The 40-year-old confessed that his son, like many others progressing through academies now, was consequently attracted to playing out wide.

During a discussion about the shortage of elite strikers on the Wayne Rooney Show , the former United captain said: "The standard of English players has increased massively, I just think it's purely because they don't want to play number nine.

Ensure our latest sport headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

"The way the game is tactically. If you look worldwide there's not many number nines. So it's not just a problem in England, it's a problem throughout the world in number nines."

Regarding Kai, Wayne added: "He's gone to the right. Left-footed, coming in off the right."

View 2 Images

Kai's choice may have been influenced by the growing appeal of operating on the flank rather than as a lone forward. Being forced to modify his approach gave the youngster an insight into the brutal reality of professional football, where players must continually adapt and develop or face being left behind.

Following his recovery from an injury setback last year, Kai seems to be enjoying the benefits. In September, he shared on Instagram a mirror selfie displaying himself on crutches whilst wearing a protective boot on his right foot.

FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

The teenager has since regained fitness and even turned out for Darren Fletcher's Under-18s squad in the FA Youth Cup encounter with Derby County last month, coming on as a substitute during the 2-1 fourth round victory.

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.