Kai Rooney stuns fans as they call for Man Utd promotion after win over Liverpool U18s

Kai Rooney has set Manchester United fans' tongues wagging after his performance against Liverpool's Under-18s

Manchester United fans have called for Kai Rooney to be promoted to the senior squad after a sensational performance against Liverpool's Under-18s. United's youthful Under-18 squad, managed by Darren Fletcher, won 6-3 on Saturday morning.

Kai, the son of United hero Wayne, has been making waves throughout the club's academy. He joined the set-up aged 11 in 2020 and has progressed through the ranks, earning a two-year academy scholarship deal in July.

Once he turns 17 on November 2, this deal will transition into a three-year professional contract. Last season, Kai featured primarily for the Under-16s and Under-18s, winning the Under-16 Premier League Shield and SuperCupNI. An injury slightly derailed his campaign.

This term, Kai has made his Under-19 UEFA Youth League and Under-21 debuts. But he's mainly turning out for the Under-18s and started up front against Liverpool.

Wearing the No. 9, Kai excelled. He led from the front with his pressing and set up Jaume Camacho, who scored four in the 6-3 drubbing. Fans online have made their true feelings clear on what the future should hold for the young Rooney.

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"Kai Rooney is a pressing machine," one fan wrote on social media. A second commented: "Kai played a really good game, top notch. He ran like his dad - chased everything down and made plays."

Other supporters pointed out that Kai should be much closer to Michael Carrick's first team. One comment read: "He is always getting closer to first-team potential."

Another claimed: "Our Under-18s are far more enjoyable to watch than the first team! Pace, hunting the ball collectively, calmness in midfield. It's a breath of fresh air watching them every week!"

One final fan simply remarked: "Can they play tomorrow?" These comments come as first-team boss Carrick weathers a severe storm after some lacklustre results.

With seven Premier League games played, United have won just once. Their latest outing saw them demolished 4-1 by Como in the Champions League.

Carrick spoke ahead of his team's home game against Bournemouth on Sunday and delivered an emotional address, opening up about recent struggles. He said: "Recently we haven't had a good time, I think that's pretty obvious.

"Wednesday [vs Como] was a bad night and it hurt me to see us play like that. It was unacceptable. My responsibility is to get a team on the pitch that represents this football club and the supporters and they can be proud of in the identity we show.

"We have gone away from that recently. It's important we all recognise that. The foundation and values of this football club have been etched for many years. I totally understand and get every single one of them."