Manchester United starts the year with new £50k contracts, while young Rooney has no intention of following in his father's footsteps! Carrick’s son also receives a contract extension.

Kai Rooney, the eldest son of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney, has been offered a professional contract by the club. The 16-year-old will finish middle school this summer, and the club has provided a scholarship deal that will convert into a professional contract once he turns 17 in November.

Kai Rooney is one of 14 promising young players at Manchester United set to receive new contracts. Interestingly, Jacey Carrick, son of current manager Michael Carrick, is also among those renewing their deals. Last month, Rooney and Carrick watched a match together at Old Trafford, during which Kai made his debut in the FA Youth Cup wearing the number 18 jersey, the same number his father wore during his Everton debut.

That marked Kai Rooney’s first time playing at Old Trafford as a player. After the match, Wayne Rooney shared that his son’s first words on the way home were: “The stadium is huge!” Wayne said, “Kai was promoted to the U18s for the FA Youth Cup, and it was great to see him on the pitch. It reminded me of when I played the FA Youth Cup for Everton. It was a proud moment, and I’m really happy for him.”

Unlike his father, Kai is a left-footed right winger, and his talent has been recognized by Manchester United’s youth coaches. The club has offered him a one-year scholarship contract, which will then transition into a three-year professional deal with a £50,000 annual salary plus a signing bonus each year. However, the Rooney family has not yet agreed to the new contract.

A source told The Sun: “Manchester United believes this age group of youngsters is very strong. Most of the kids, including Kai and Jacey, have been offered contracts. This means after they finish their studies, they can become full-time players. According to regulations, once they turn 17, they can sign professional contracts. They still have a long way to go, but the club feels they have the potential to succeed, which makes them very proud.”

Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick must decide whether to sign by July, and they also have the option to move freely to other clubs. Notably, Kai’s younger brother Klay, aged 12, is also part of Manchester United’s youth setup; while their younger brother Cass, who will turn 8 later this month, is following in their father’s footsteps training at Everton’s academy.

In an interview in August 2024, Kai Rooney said: “I’m working hard to succeed, not to become like my dad, because I am my own person. I want to see how my career unfolds, and of course, I’ll do my best to reach the biggest stages. I just want to focus on myself and try not to let any pressure affect me, improving day by day, month by month.”

Jacey Carrick has not attracted as much attention as Kai Rooney; he made his Manchester United U18 debut late last year. But with his father now the United manager, if he is confirmed in the role, he could become his son’s boss! Carrick came through West Ham’s youth ranks and once won the FA Youth Cup.

Carrick said: “This is a very important competition, especially for Manchester United. Young players get to experience the meaning of the game under the lights at Old Trafford, with some hope for the future. It’s a fantastic opportunity for these youngsters to take the next step in their professional careers. We fully support them.”

Descendants of Manchester United legends have often trained within the youth system over the years, but none of the “second-generation stars” have yet made a first-team appearance. Kai Rooney might become the first.