According to the Daily Mail, Kai Rooney's reputation has continued to grow after he produced a stunning four-goal display for Manchester United's youth team.
Wayne Rooney's eldest son shone against Burnley U18s, with several excellent finishes suggesting he has inherited his father's talent.
Videos of Kai's goals for Manchester United U18 have circulated online, with the 6-0 Premier League 2 victory impressing fans with his finishing ability.
His first goal came from intelligent positioning: Emmanuel Ciro passed to Jaume Camacho, whose header hit the post, and Rooney tapped in the rebound.
Early in the second half, he won and converted a penalty to double his tally.
By the 63rd minute, Rooney completed his hat-trick with a header from a corner kick, then added a fourth shortly after, continuing to trouble the Burnley defense.
His fourth goal was particularly impressive, as he shifted the ball to his right foot before striking a powerful shot into the net.
This season, playing mostly on the right wing, Rooney has recorded 5 goals and 1 assist in 3 matches.
Amid fan discontent and ownership concerns, Rooney's excellent form provided a timely lift for Manchester United. Manager Erik ten Hag also received a reprieve ahead of this weekend's match against Chelsea.
Although it seems unlikely Kai Rooney will match his father's achievements, he has long been regarded as a prospect with professional potential.
In March this year, he signed with Paul Stretford's agency. Stretford has been Wayne Rooney's long-term agent and facilitated his move to Manchester United when Rooney was 17.
Despite performing well in the same Manchester United shirt his father wore, Kai has always stressed his desire to establish his own identity.
"I want to make a name for myself; I don't want to be my dad, because I am my own person," Kai said in August 2024.
"I want to see where my career takes me, and of course, I'll try my best to reach the highest level.
"I just want to focus on myself and try not to let the pressure affect me, improving day by day, month by month."
His parents have consistently emphasized that they will not pressure him.
"He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a hands-off approach," Wayne said in a BBC interview last year.
"I talk to him, but for me, it's about his mentality and mindset—making sure he always enjoys football. That's what matters most to me."
Earlier this year, Coleen told The Times: "He's lived with this identity since childhood. When we went to watch games when he was young, people would often ask, 'Are you Wayne Rooney's son?'
"But he's very strong-willed, always has been. I'm not worried about how he handles it."