Wayne Rooney’s 15-year-old son Kai helps Man United win opening game at Under-19 tournament – while ‘Kid Messi’ JJ Gabriel sees goal disallowed
Wayne Rooney’s teenage son Kai has taken another impressive step in his fledgling football career by helping Manchester United’s Under-19s begin their campaign at the Mladen Ramljak Tournament with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Rapid Vienna.
The 15-year-old forward, who has been fast-tracked from United’s Under-16s after impressing at last week’s Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland, played against opponents up to four years older in Zagreb on Thursday afternoon.
Kai, who can play either as a No 9 or out wide, featured in a United side that included a number of the club’s most promising youth players – among them 14-year-old striker JJ Gabriel, the Nike-sponsored sensation nicknamed ‘Kid Messi’.
Gabriel thought he had added a second goal for the Red Devils late on, only for his effort to be ruled out. The only goal of the game came from captain Amir Ibragimov, who coolly converted a second-half penalty.
Ibragimov also created United’s best first-half opportunity, carrying the ball forward from midfield before slipping in Edward Fletcher, whose effort was saved from a tight angle. Goalkeeper Byrne-Hughes then made a crucial one-on-one save to keep the scores level just before the break.
The match, played in sweltering conditions at Dinamo Zagreb’s academy base, marked the first of three group-stage games for United at the prestigious youth tournament. They will face Juventus on Friday before meeting hosts Dinamo Zagreb – the defending champions – over the weekend.
Fifteen-year-old Kai Rooney represented Man United at an Under 19 tournament on Thursday
JJ Gabriel, pictured in action for England at junior level, also played for United on Thursday
Kai’s appearance in Croatia came after he impressed at U16 level in Northern Ireland last week
Kai was cheered on in NI by dad Wayne, mum Coleen and little brothers Kit and Cass. This picture also featured Michael Carrick (second left) alongside his wife and their son Jacey
This summer’s Mladen Ramljak Tournament is taking place at the home of GNK Dinamo Zagreb
Kai Rooney’s inclusion in the Under-19 squad is being seen as a significant vote of confidence in his long-term potential, having already caught the eye in Northern Ireland last week, where he scored and assisted as United’s Under-16s reached the Super Cup NI final. His call-up to this tournament mirrors the path taken by his father, Wayne, who played in the same competition (then known as the Milk Cup) for Everton back in 2000.
Wayne and Coleen Rooney were ever-present during last week’s games, watching on with their younger sons Kit and Cass. The family also enjoyed a visit to Curry’s Fun Park in Portrush, where they mingled with fans and staff.
Speaking after the Super Cup NI, Rooney Sr said of Kai: ‘He just plays, that’s what he’s always done. It’s unfair to expect too much — he’s only 15. But he handles the pressure of his surname very well.’
Kai joined United’s academy in 2020 and has steadily progressed through the age groups. His playing style has drawn inevitable comparisons to his father, with coaches praising his movement, finishing, and ability to find space in the box.
The Mladen Ramljak Tournament has become a regular stop for Man United’s academy sides in recent years. Previous editions have featured future stars such as Luka Modric, Marcelo Brozovic, and Eduardo Camavinga – underlining the calibre of opposition and the value of experience gained.
Victory over Rapid gives United the perfect platform heading into Friday’s clash with Juventus. The final will be held on Sunday between the winners of each four-team group.
