Wayne Rooney's teenage son Kai has taken another impressive step in his young football career by helping it under the 19 years of Manchester United to start their campaign on the Mladen Ramljak tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna.
The 15-year-old attacker, who was quickly followed from United's Under-16s, after having made an impression on last week's Super Cup Ni, played on Thursday afternoon against opponents up to four years older in Zagreb.
Kai, who can play as a no. 9 or from Breed, can be seen in a united side with some of the most promising youth players from the club-including the 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the sensation sponsored by Nike called 'Kid Messi'.
Gabriel thought he had added a second goal for the Red Devils late, only for his attempt to be excluded. The only goal of the game came from Captain Amir Ibragimov, who converted a fine of the second half.
Ibragimov also created the best first half of the first half of United and carried the ball from midfield before he slipped in Edward Fletcher, whose effort was saved from a tight corner. Goalkeeper Byrne-Hughes then made a crucial one-on-one storage to keep the scores just before the break.
The game, played in sizzling circumstances on Dinamo Zagreb's Academy Base, marked the first of three group stage games for United during the prestigious youth tournament. They will be confronted against Juventus on Friday before organizing Dinamo Zagreb – The Defending Champions – on weekends.
The inclusion of Kai Rooney in the team under 19 is seen as an important voice of confidence in his long-term potential, after he had already pulled in Northern Ireland last week in Northern Ireland, where he scored and assisted when United's Under-16s reached the Super Cup Ni-final. His call-up of this tournament reflects the path of his father, Wayne, who played in the same competition in 2000 (then known as the Milk Cup) for Everton.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney were always present during last week's games and looked up with their younger Sons Kit and Cass. The family also enjoyed a visit to Curry's Fun Park in Portush, where they mixed with fans and staff.
Speaking after the Super Cup Ni said Rooney Sr said about Kai: '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 and was steadily advanced by the age groups. His playing style has made inevitable comparisons with his father, with coaches who praise his movement, finish and the ability to find space in the box.
The Mladen Ramljak tournament has become a regular stop in recent years for Man United's Academy side. Previous editions contain future stars such as Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic and Eduardo Camavinga – who underline the caliber of opposition and the value of experience won.
The victory over Rapid gives United the perfect platform on the way to Friday's collision with Juventus. The final will be held on Sunday between the winners of each group with four teams.