Kai Rooney makes Old Trafford debut for Man Utd at 16 as Coleen and Wayne watch

Wayne and Coleen Rooney sat alongside Manchester United manager Michael Carrick in the Old Trafford directors' box as their 16 year old son Kai made his bow at the iconic stadium. The teenager featured for the Red Devils' Under-18s during their FA Youth Cup tie against Derby.

Despite competing two years above his age bracket, Rooney Jr entered the fray as a substitute during extra-time and showed promising signs in his brief appearance on the pitch. The young Reds triumphed 2-1 after the additional period, securing their place in the fifth round.

Since taking charge as United's interim manager following Ruben Amorim's exit, Carrick has demonstrated his commitment to engaging with every tier of the club.

The boss attended Leigh Sports Village on Tuesday evening to witness United's U21s overcome Sporting Lisbon, a commitment his predecessor never honoured throughout his 14-month spell.

Accompanied by his coaching staff—Steve Holland, Jonny Evans and Jonathan Woodgate—Carrick and his team were present once more at Old Trafford on Friday evening.

The U18s success, secured through Luca Crolla's own goal and Chido Obi's clinical strike, completed a treble of wins across seven days for United's first team, U21s and youth sides. Speaking about his decision to attend, Carrick explained: "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.

"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 at the Theatre of Dreams arrives five years on from penning his initial deal with the club where his father etched his name into folklore, ultimately becoming their record goalscorer.

The modest attendance of approximately 2,000 supporters greeted the teenager with the iconic 'Rooney, Rooney' anthem that once echoed from the Stretford End for his dad.

Rooney Sr had already emerged as a sensation at just 16, netting an unforgettable strike for Everton against Arsenal that announced his arrival at his beloved boyhood side.

His move from Goodison Park to United came at 18, and he would go on to make 559 appearances for the Red Devils, finding the net 253 times. His trophy cabinet during his Old Trafford tenure included five Premier League crowns, an FA Cup, three League Cups, the Europa League and the prestigious Champions League.