Man Utd Offers Contract to Kai Rooney and 13 Other Youths

Manchester United has offered 16-year-old academy forward Kai Rooney a new contract, positioning the son of club legend Wayne Rooney as a potential future first-team prospect. The deal, part of a group offer to 14 promising youngsters, includes a one-year scholarship that would transition to a three-year professional agreement upon turning 17, with an estimated annual salary of 50,000 pounds plus a signing-on fee.

Kai, who joined United's academy at age 11, has shown promise despite injury setbacks this season. The left-footed attacker has appeared in four Under-18 matches, scoring once, including a goal against Middlesbrough in August. He made his Old Trafford debut in January during an FA Youth Cup victory over Derby County, entering as a substitute in extra time to a resounding cheer from the 2,000 fans in attendance. His parents, Wayne and Coleen Rooney, along with interim manager Michael Carrick, watched from the stands as Kai stepped onto the pitch for the first time at the club's iconic stadium.

The offer highlights United's investment in its youth system, which includes other sons of former players. Jacey Carrick, son of the current interim head coach, is among the 14...