Kai Rooney is following in the footsteps of his father at Manchester United as he continues to make a name for himself at youth level. The young English winger is a product of the club's academy unlike Wayne who arrived at Old Trafford from Everton as a teenage first-team star.

Wayne Rooney became United's all-time top goalscorer with 253 goals and spent most of his career as a number nine. Kai meanwhile is starting out on the right wing and developing under his father's former teammate Darren Fletcher.

The 16-year-old, born in Liverpool, is a member of the U18's team and featured six times last season, scoring two goals and providing one assist. While many would assume he'd be taking inspiration from his father, he has been modelling his game on a former Arsenal star.

Kai Rooney on Modelling His Game on Former Arsenal Star

TikToker Gabrielvpool vlogged with Kai Rooney and got an insight into the United teenage prospect's growth. He asked him who he models his game on:

"If I'm playing right wing Martinelli but more like him as a striker. I'm not like a hold up striker, I'm more running behind."

Gabriel Martinelli spent his Arsenal career on the left wing and often won over fans with his dribbling abilities. The Brazilian attacker does possess attributes that allow him to lead the line but Mikel Arteta often used him out on the wing.

The 25-year-old left the Emirates earlier this summer and joined Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal. He ended a seven-month goal drought with a 32-minute hat-trick in a 6-0 win over Al-Taawoun on Saturday (September 12th).

Martinelli delved into his playing style and how Futsal helped him in an interview with club media in November 2024:

“Futsal was really important in my growth in football. You play in a smaller pitch or court and you have to think quicker. How you control the ball is different. You don’t have much space so it helps you a lot.”

Martinelli appeared 278 times for Arsenal, scoring 62 goals and providing 36 assists. He was a member of the Gunners team that won the Premier League title last season.

Wayne Rooney Explains Why He's Hands Off With Kai

Wayne Rooney admitted that he takes a step back and allows Kai to play without intervening. He doesn't want to put pressure on the teenager and feels it's unfair that many expect him to be a revelation because of his family's name.

The United and England icon told BBC Sport back in 2025:

 "I just let him play. I think they started the competition well, they won 3-0, he scored the penalty and got an assist. So I think he started OK. He just plays and that's all he's done during his time playing.

He added: "I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He's just playing, he's a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well."

Wayne Rooney spoke highly of Fletcher and the United coaching staff:

"He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it's all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it - that's the main thing for me."

Kai Rooney is one of four brothers whom Wayne and wife Coleen have raised. He's the oldest, with Klay now 13, Kit now 10 and Cass, eight. Given their father's success, they all might well fancy themselves as footballers.