Wayne Rooney watches son Kai make Old Trafford debut as iconic chant returns

Kai Rooney, 16, made his Old Trafford debut in the FA Youth Cup on Friday night as his father Wayne and mother Coleen watched on from the directors' box alongside manager Michael Carrick

James Whaling Sports Editor and Cameron Winstanley

12:36, 25 Jan 2026

[MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 23: Kai Rooney of Manchester United during the FA Youth Cup fourth round match between Manchester United and Derby County at Old Trafford on January 23, 2026 in Manchester, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)]

Kai Rooney made his Old Trafford debut(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

Wayne and Coleen Rooney were spotted in the Old Trafford directors' box alongside Manchester United manager Michael Carrick as their 16-year-old son Kai made his bow at the Theatre of Dreams.

Young Rooney was in action for the Red Devils' Under-18s during their FA Youth Cup encounter with Derby. He entered the fray as a substitute in extra-time and appeared sharp during his brief stint on the pitch, despite competing two years above his age bracket. United triumphed 2-1 after the additional period to secure their passage to the fifth round.

Carrick has made it his mission to immerse himself in every level of the club since being appointed United manager until the end of the season following Ruben Amorim's exit.

Kai made his Old Trafford bow in the FA Youth Cup(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

He was present at Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday evening to witness United's U21s defeat Sporting Lisbon, a trip his predecessor never made once during his 14-month reign.

Carrick was accompanied by assistants Steve Holland, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate, with the quartet all present once more at Old Trafford on Friday evening. Director of Football Jason Wilcox was also present.

The U18s triumph, thanks to an own goal from Luca Crolla and a clever finish by Chido Obi, completed a hat-trick of wins within a week for United's senior side, U21s and their youngsters. On his decision to attend, Carrick said: "My message of support is that I'm coming along to watch and I'm excited. I was lucky enough to play in and win the FA Youth Cup when I was young at West Ham.

The 16-year-old impressed playing two age groups up(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)

"It's such an important competition, especially for this club. Young players, Old Trafford under the floodlights, feeling what it means, a bit of expectation.

"It's a fantastic opportunity for the young boys to go and take the next step. We're all fully behind them, it'll be a tough game, but we're looking forward to it."

Kai's debut Old Trafford appearance arrives five years after he penned his first deal with the club his father is a legend and is United's all-time leading goalscorer.

[Spectators are seated in the stands of a sports stadium, some wearing winter attire and others in casual clothing. The seating arrangement is filled with a diverse group of individuals, creating a lively atmosphere. The background features empty red seats, indicating that the event is ongoing or about to commence.]

Wayne and Coleen Rooney watched on (Image: Getty Images)

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The gathering of just over 2,000 supporters treated the youngster to the familiar 'Rooney, Rooney' chants that once echoed from the Stretford End for his father.

Rooney Sr had already exploded onto the scene as a 16 year old, netting a memorable strike for Everton against Arsenal as he captivated the world at his boyhood club.

He departed Goodison Park for United aged 18 and went on to feature in 559 matches for the club, finding the net 253 times. He claimed five Premier League titles, one FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and the Champions League during his spell at Old Trafford.

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