Kai Rooney handed Man Utd debut chance after injury statement as ban lifted
Manchester United starlet Kai Rooney could be given the chance to make the step up to the club's first team squad this summer. However, the 16-year-old will first have to navigate an injury setbackbefore he can look to make his mark at Old Trafford.
Should he get his chance, the young star's ban on wearing his favoured boots will also be lifted. The son of United's all-time leading goalscorer Wayne Rooney, has made great progress at Carrington this season.
Rooney Jr won the Premier League Shield with United's Under-16s on Tuesday. However, he later issued a statement confirming he will miss the rest of the season, with the 16-year-old set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines due to injury.
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Posting on his Instagram story, the striker said: "Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season," followed by a love heart emoji.
Rooney Jr has enjoyed an exceptional year with United's youth teams, scoring goals for the Under-18s and earning his first scholarship within the club's youth system. He will be eligible to sign a professional contract next season.
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The forward has been handed a chance to make his first-team debut sooner rather than later, however. United are reportedly planning to include a host of talented youngsters in their pre-season tour squad this summer.
United are set to tour Europe in pre-season, with talks ongoing to finalise a schedule that includes visits to Scandinavia and other nations. Historically, United have designated the first week of July as the start of pre-season training at Carrington. However, this year the World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19.
Alongside the younger Rooney, United are said to be eager to include academy product JJ Gabriel. He has already trained with the first team on several occasions, and interim boss Michael Carrick has described him as a "big talent."
Should Rooney Jr get the nod, his ban on wearing his preferred Puma boots could also be lifted. The left-footed winger signed a deal with Puma in 2022.
The giant sportswear brand snapped him up when he was just 12 years old, off the back of a stunning 56-goal season. He announced the deal, which has seen him wear Puma boots and clothing ever since, in an Instagram post which read: "Great to sign for @puma. Only see great."
However, his dad, Wayne, recently explained that his son is not receiving any preferential treatment at the United academy, revealing that Rooney Jr is not allowed to wear his Puma boots for the U16s due to a club policy.
Wayne said on
"All the academy have to wear the same boots. They do it because there's people from areas where they can't afford certain boots so I think it's really good. But he's played for the U18s a few times and he can then wear his Puma boots. He’s doing well to be fair to him."
The youngster has also joined Triple S Sports, an agency with which his father holds a long-term agreement. Run by the United hero's long-time agent, Paul Stretford, the company now has another Rooney on its books.
The company announced the teenager's arrival with an Instagram post that read: "Delighted to announce the signing of @kairooney.10 to Triple S Sports! We're excited to begin working with the Manchester United forward as he continues his journey in the game. A bright future ahead."