Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images

Wayne Rooney explains academy rule his son Kai must follow

Originally posted on HITC | By Adnan Riaz | Last updated Jan 2, 2026 8:25 AM ET

Wayne Rooney impressed by what he noticed from Kai Rooney at Man United

Wayne Rooney has shared an observation he’s picked up during Kai’s time in the Manchester United youth academy, and he’s fully on board with it.

Kai has started his own journey at the same club where his dad made such a big impact, joining Manchester United’s youth system. He was previously with City’s academy but made the switch to United back in 2020, following Wayne’s move to Derby County.

The 16-year-old winger from Liverpool has made two appearances for the Under-18s since joining. Kai had also spent time at Manchester City before switching to United and signed his first contract with them in 2020.

Kai picked up an injury early in the season that kept him out after just two matches. But he returned later in the year and scored against Birmingham City Under-18s in a Premier League Cup fixture. The young forward also netted a hat-trick against PSG Under-16s during a friendly tournament.

Wayne Rooney shares his view on Man Utd’s academy policy during Kai’s time at the club

Photo by Rasid Necati Aslim/Anadolu via Getty Images

Wayne Rooney is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s best strikers and had a remarkable career with Manchester United.

The former Red Devils striker explained that United’s academy rule prohibits his son from wearing his Puma-endorsed boots, but Rooney isn’t against the move either.

Rooney spoke about Kai’s contract with Puma but noted that he isn’t allowed to wear the brand during youth matches with the Under-16s. According to Wayne, Manchester United doesn’t allow players at that level to wear individual sponsorship gear.

“He’s [Kai] obviously with Puma, but when he’s with the U16s, he can’t wear his Puma boots, which I really like from Man United,” Rooney told The Smith Brothers: Not A Podcast.

“The academy all have to wear the same. Why they do it is they have players from areas who can’t afford certain boots, and I think it’s really good to do that.

“When he plays for the U18s, he can wear his Puma boots, and he’s doing really good, to be fair.”