Manchester United has confirmed that Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick, sons of former club captain Wayne Rooney and manager Michael Carrick respectively, are among 15 young players who have signed first-year scholarship contracts with the club. The 16-year-old sons of the prominent football figures were honored at a ceremony at Old Trafford.
Rooney, currently serving as a World Cup pundit for the BBC, and Carrick, preparing for the team's preseason training, attended the event with their sons. The young scholars received a blazer and a Manchester United shirt bearing their names and the number 26.
These scholarship deals represent a significant step in the players' development pathways. The two-year apprenticeship agreement means they will now aim to progress to the next stage, potentially earning a three-year professional contract upon turning 17.
Kai Rooney has already shown promise, making six appearances for the Under-18 Premier League team last season and debuting in the FA Youth Cup. Jacey Carrick made one appearance for the Under-18s. Both are expected to play more frequently for Darren Fletcher's Under-18 side in the upcoming season.
Mgr Michael Carrick's son Jacey, also 16, has penned a scholarship contract as well.
As part of their preseason preparations, the Development Phase Group will participate in a training camp at adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany. The other 13 scholars signing deals are Jaume Camacho Sidos, Edson Dejonge-Seiros, Harley Emsden-James, Idris Fabiyi, Jake Ford, Gazimagamed Ibragimov, Connor Laurie, Harlem McLaughlin, Camron Mpofu, Jodie Nganga, Samuel O'Brien, Pharell Silvester, and Emmanuel Ziro. Gazimagamed Ibragimov is the brother of Amir Ibragimov, who has been identified as a prospect for Manchester United's first team.