Like father like son! Sons of Rooney and manager Michael Carrick earn scholarship deals

Manchester United have confirmed that Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are among 15 young players who have signed a first-year scholarship contract with the club.

Proud dads Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick attended a ceremony at Old Trafford to mark the occasion, having photos taken with their 16-year-old sons and the other scholars.

Rooney was enjoying a night off from his World Cup punditry duties at the BBC while United head coach Carrick is preparing for the start of pre-season at Carrington on Thursday.

The youngsters were all presented with a blazer and a shirt with their names and No.26 on the back to mark their achievement.

Induction into the club’s Development Phase Group is a significant step in their career paths. They have signed a two-year apprenticeship agreement, and will now hope to make it to the next stage after they turn 17 and earn a three-year professional contract.

Another of United’s rising stars, JJ Gabriel, is too young at the age of 15 to sign a scholarship contract, but United will hope that he puts pen to paper next summer.

Rooney demonstrated his growing potential by making six appearances in the Under-18 Premier League last season as well as his debut in the FA Youth Cup. Carrick played one game for the Under-18s, and both are expected to feature more regularly for Darren Fletcher’s side next season.

First, the Development Phase Group will have a training camp at adidas headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany as part of their pre-season preparations.

The other 13 scholars 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.

Ibragimov is the brother of Amir Ibragimov who has been tipped to break into United’s first-team.