Kai Rooney offered new Manchester United deal as academy rise continues
Kai Rooney has been offered a new contract by Manchester United as the club moves to secure one of its most talked-about academy prospects. The 16-year-old has stepped up to the Under-18s this season and is now in line for a scholarship that could place him firmly on the pathway toward professional football at Old Trafford.
The forward has featured in FA Youth Cup action and impressed within a highly rated youth group, prompting United to extend formal terms worth up to £50,000 per year once a professional deal is triggered. The offer reflects both his recent progression and the club’s belief in his long-term potential.
Rooney is one of 14 players from a strong Under-18 cohort to be offered new deals, with the contracts designed to bridge the gap between full-time education and professional status. The scholarship would initially run for one year before converting into a three-year professional agreement when he turns 17, subject to continued development.
Manchester United remain renowned for promoting youth talent, with historic success stories ranging from the Busby Babes to the Class of 92. Rooney is attempting to carve out his own identity within that tradition, alongside peers such as Jacey Carrick, son of former midfielder and current interim head coach Michael Carrick.
The coming months are pivotal. Players offered terms have until July to sign and are not obliged to commit, leaving the option of exploring opportunities elsewhere. For United, securing Rooney would underline confidence in a player who has already shown signs of thriving under increased competition and responsibility.
For Rooney, the decision represents the next major step in a career that has unfolded under constant scrutiny. Despite the famous surname, the club views him as part of a collective group rather than a novelty, assessing him on performance and potential alone.
Rooney’s rise has been marked by steady integration rather than sudden promotion. He made his FA Youth Cup debut from the bench, watched on by proud parents Wayne and Coleen, in a night that symbolized his transition into higher-level youth football. The atmosphere at Old Trafford added weight to the occasion, but the teenager handled it calmly.
Operating as a left-footed forward, Rooney has been involved in sharp attacking phases and intelligent off-the-ball movement, attributes that have translated well from younger age groups into the Under-18 setup.
Social media clips highlighting his finishing ability have circulated widely, while his trophy haul at youth level continues to grow. Coaches have noted his positioning in the penalty area and his instinctive reactions, traits that have drawn comparisons to his father without defining his role.
Sources close to the academy describe the group as competitive and demanding, with every player expected to earn minutes rather than inherit them. Rooney’s inclusion in that environment is viewed as a reward for consistency rather than reputation.
As the season has progressed, Rooney has adapted to the physicality and tempo of Under-18 football, learning to influence games beyond goals alone. His movement in buildup play and willingness to press from the front have been areas of particular focus as he adjusts to a more tactical framework.
The coming year will test his ability to maintain form while balancing education, training, and increased external attention.
United now await a decision from the Rooney family, who are carefully considering the next step. Wayne Rooney has spoken positively about his son’s progress, praising his instincts and physical profile while stressing the importance of patience and continued hard work.
If Kai Rooney commits to the deal, the journey will only be beginning. The contract offers opportunity, not guarantees, but it places him firmly inside a system built to turn potential into professional reality.