Wayne Rooney's son Kai has taken a big step in his budding football career after earning a shock solution for the Under-19 team of Manchester United for the prestigious Mladen Ramljak tournament in Croatia-all the fact that he was only 15 years old.
The teenager, who can play as a no. 9 or from Breed, has been promoted three age groups after his striking versions in the Super Cup NI in Noord -Ireland last week. Kai then scored and assisted United's Under-16s the final reached and lost closely to Southampton.
Now, hardly in his summer vacation, Kai stands in line against players up to four years older than he has in one of Europe's best youth tournaments. The Mladen Ramljak Memorial, organized in Zagreb by Croatian Giant Dinamo, has become a magnet for scouts and Elite Academy sides – with previous editions with Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Eduardo Camavinga.
United has been drawn in group A next to Rapid Bucuresti, Juventus and Dinamo Zagreb – the title defender. Kai and his young teammates start their campaign on Thursday against Rapid. The tournament ends on Sunday with placement matches and a final between the group winners.
Group B consists of Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Bologna and Shakhtar Donetsk-Die are all represented by their best youth teams.
The decision of the Red Devils to accelerate Kai in the team is seen as a voice of confidence in his long -term potential. United is also supposed to have recorded a handful of other younger players from their U15 and U16 ranks. That includes the 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the Nike-Supporting Wonderkind 'Kid Messi', who scored twice on his debut under 18 against Leeds earlier this year.
Kai's call-up comes from the back of a strong show in the Super Cup Ni. The tournament – formerly known as the Milk Cup – has a special meaning for the Rooneys, where Wayne played for Everton in 2000.
Wayne and wife Colen were always present during the tournament and cheering from the stands next to their younger sons kit and cass. They also took the time to enjoy the local attractions – including a visit to Cencries Fun Park in Portush, where Wayne and his sons were seen on the bumper cars. The couple posed for photos with staff and mixed with spectators and praised their sober attitude.
After the final, Wayne posted a proud message on social media: 'Great few days in Coleraine for the Supercupni. Well done for Kai and the Manchester United boys on a brilliant attempt during the tournament. Congratulations to Southampton with the victory. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome. '
Asked about giving advice to his eldest son, Wayne said he prefers a hands-off approach. “He just plays, that's what he has always done. It is unfair to expect too much – he is only 15. But he treats the pressure of his last name very well. '
Kai joined the United Academy in 2020 at the age of 11 and worked steadily through the youth ranks. His playing style attracts natural comparisons with his father, while the staff of United has praised his calmness, movement of the ball and an eye for goal.