Kai Rooney set for Old Trafford debut

Manchester United’s academy has been under the spotlight all season as the club continues reshaping its long-term football structure under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership.

Ruben Amorim’s growing influence behind the scenes has also seen a stronger bridge formed between Carrington’s senior and youth departments, with several prospects regularly training with the first-team group.

United’s U18s have meanwhile been working through an intense run of fixtures, juggling league form with a growing expectation to provide the club’s next breakthrough star.

With the FA Youth Cup drawing closer, excitement has risen inside Carrington as staff monitor which teenagers could be fast-tracked into bigger moments before 2025.

And with United’s senior squad enjoying a lighter schedule due to missing out on Europe, more academy attention is falling on the youngsters preparing for one of the club’s biggest annual events.

That build-up now centres on the news that Old Trafford will host the U18s’ FA Youth Cup third-round tie against Peterborough United on 9 December, a fixture that could deliver a landmark moment for one familiar surname.

Kai Rooney, son of legendary United forward Wayne Rooney, is closing in on a return after a foot injury that has kept him out since early September, and he is expected to be available in time for the showpiece match.

The 15-year-old made only two appearances before his setback, but he recently revealed he is back on the grass and pushing to be ready for his potential debut outing at the Theatre of Dreams.

The decision to move the tie to Old Trafford marks a shift from last season, when Ineos’ cost-cutting led to FA Youth Cup fixtures being held at Leigh Sports Village to save around £8,000, a saving United can now forgo thanks to a more open schedule.

For Kai Rooney, the timing could not be better as he gears up for a long-awaited return.

He won’t be the only prodigy drawing attention.

JJ Gabriel, the 15-year-old attacker widely referred to by fans as “Kid Messi,” is set to feature after a blistering start to the campaign.

Gabriel has registered seven goals and one assist in nine U18 matches and even trained with Amorim’s first team last month, increasing whispers that he could emulate Arsenal star Max Dowman by debuting before turning 16.

If any youngster is ready to soak up the Old Trafford atmosphere, it’s him.

Darren Fletcher’s U18 side opened their league season with five straight wins, before a dip in form saw them slip to fourth after three defeats and two draws in their next five matches.

The Youth Cup fixture, however, offers the perfect opportunity for a reset, and perhaps a glimpse of the next famous chapter in United’s academy story.