Kai Rooney models his game on former Arsenal winger rather than Man Utd icon dad

· Mirror

Wayne Rooney's son Kai has named the player he models his game on at Manchester United - and it's not his famous father

Kai Rooney has taken inspiration from former Arsenal forward Gabriel Martinelli as he continues his rise through Manchester United’s academy, following a path once trodden by his father Wayne. The youngster has progressed quickly since joining the club in 2020.

He reached a major milestone this summer by signing a scholarship deal, declaring: "Work starts now." His momentum was checked in March when injury cut his season short, ruling him out of United's FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The promising attacker has also shifted from a central role, reminiscent of his father’s playing days, to operating on the wing, where he can cut inside onto his left foot as he advances through the academy.

His role model in that position is Martinelli, the ex-Arsenal winger who departed the Emirates for Al Hilal in a £60million transfer after amassing 278 appearances for the Gunners.

> "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," Kai told TikToker Gabrielvpool during an interview.

Martinelli emphasised the influence Futsal had on his progression during an interview with club media in November 2024.

He said:

> "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."

Kai has been part of United's academy since rejoining at the age of 11 and took another major step last month by putting pen to paper on his first-year scholarship deal.

The contract enables him to continue his studies while advancing through the academy, having recently achieved success in all his GCSEs.

His mum, Coleen, celebrated the accomplishment with a post on social media. Coleen wrote: "GCSE results day! ! Super proud @kairooney.10 ....Great results especially with a busy schedule, all passed and a place in 6th form! ! We love you."

The next significant landmark will arrive when he turns 17 and becomes able to sign a professional deal.

Wayne has previously said he prefers to take a back seat, allowing Kai to play freely without interference, and steers clear of placing any additional pressure on the teenager.

> "I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds," the Reds icon said. "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."

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