Man Utd legend Wayne Rooney's son, 16, 'offered new contract' by Red Devils

The eldest son of Wayne Rooney, Manchester United's all-time leading goalscorer, could soon follow in his father's footsteps after being offered a new deal by the club

The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney, Kai, has been offered a contract by Manchester United as he bids to follow in the footsteps of his famous father.

Kai has been in the United academy for several years and is an attacker, just like Rooney Senior. And after impressing in the youth ranks, Kai is among a group of 14 very highly-rated youngsters who have been offered new terms by United.

According to The Sun, Kai and Jacey Carrick, the son of the Red Devils' current head coach, Michael, have been offered new deals along with others. If accepted, Rooney Jr would pen a one-year scholarship which would then become a three-year professional deal when he turns 17.

The report claims said contract would see him earn around £50,000-a-year plus an annual signing-on fee, though the Rooney family have yet to green light the deal.

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A source told the outlet: “The group is very strong and the majority of the boys including Kai and Jacey have been offered deals. It means when they finish school they can go into full-time ‘football employment’ and then when they turn 17 are guaranteed a pro status.

“They still have a long way to go to make the grade, but they can be very proud that the club thinks they have a chance of making it.”

Wayne, the club's all-time record goalscorer, spoke of his pride last month after watching his eldest son represent Manchester United in the FA Youth Cup against Derby County.

He said: “Kai got moved up to the under-18s squad for the Youth Cup and it was great to see him come on. It brought back memories of when I played in the Youth Cup for Everton.

“It was a proud moment and I’m delighted for him. Hopefully he continues that and he can have a good run with the team.”

Kai’s mum, Coleen, has made it clear that they have not pressured their children into following in Wayne’s footsteps. Speaking to The Mirror in September 2024, she said: “We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do. My eight-year-old was playing and doing really well but then decided he didn't want to, and that's OK.

“I think they sometimes get pressure off other people, you know. People approach them now and then if we're out, they do say, 'Are you are as good as your dad?' Kai says 'I'm a different type of player.' You've got to let them know that you don't have to follow and to be your own person.”

Wayne, meanwhile, has been happy to see Michael Carrick and his coaching staff take an interest in the academy since taking charge. He said on his BBC podcast last month: “It is great to see all the coaches taking a big interest in the academy. In the next few years, some of those players might get an opportunity for the first team, so it is important they have that interest.

“On Saturday, they were all at the under-16s game as well before they travelled to London. It is great to see that coming back into the club.

“I have been quite vocal on this. It used to be the norm but it has been missing in the last few years. With my two lads in the academy, I haven't seen that and it was a bit disappointing. The lift it gives to the players and the players' parents, seeing the first team manager there. That is how the club should be run.”

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