Kai Rooney is following in his dad’s legendary footy-steps, after his performance for Manchester United’s under-17s team recently led to a 5-1 win and had fans praising his skills. But with rumours that the mini-Rooney is set to move up to the first team when he turns 16 later this year, we’re told mum Coleen Rooney, 39, is worried about the pressure that comes with success at such a young age.
‘This is Coleen’s worst nightmare. She wants Kai to stay in school, finish his exams and not have any pressure put on him,’ an insider tells heat.
‘She saw the pressure Wayne was under. He wasn’t ready, and she won’t let the same thing happen to Kai.’
In December 2020, Kai joined the academy at dad Wayne’s former club and it’s clear he has talent, with his performances exciting fans. ‘Plays exactly like his dad, with aggressiveness and power,’ one wrote of the 15 year old.
Wayne, 39, made his professional debut when he was 16, and has since faced his fair share of drama in the public eye, including a scandal in 2004 where he reportedly visited a brothel, and being arrested for public intoxication in 2018.
And with Coleen always left to pick up the pieces, we’re told she’s keen for Kai to put the brakes on football for a couple of years.
‘She wants all her children to do well, and knows Kai would love to be a footballer and play for the United first team, but she wants to protect him,’ our source says.
‘She wants his main priority to be his GCSEs next year. If he does well in those, then maybe he can think about turning professional if the offers are there. But she also knows there are no guarantees in football, and Kai could still get dropped, even if he makes it to the first team.’
On top of that, there’s pressure both on the pitch and from fans thanks to Kai’s famous father. Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Coleen revealed that during a match, the goalkeeper from the opposition team told Kai, ‘Your dad’s sh*t’, as he stepped up to take a penalty, causing her son to get ‘dead angry’.
Our source adds, ‘Coleen feels that people will want Kai to fail. He already gets abuse and accusation of nepotism, so she wants him to stay away from the professional game until he’s really ready.’
But, while Coleen has reservations about Kai going pro, we’re told Wayne couldn’t be prouder. However, our source stresses that both his parents are 100% supportive.
We’re told, ‘Wayne thinks what will be will be, and if Kai is good enough, then he should turn pro. But Coleen is willing to step in if she has to, to make sure Kai is mentally prepared. She’s been the ultimate football mum and has supported Kai at every game he’s played. She would love him to make a career out of it if that’s what he wants.’
