Kai shares the player he models his game on and it isn't Man Utd icon Rooney

This summer marked a major milestone, with the 16‑year‑old signing a scholarship deal and declaring: "Work starts now." His progress stalled in March when an injury brought his season to an early end, ruling him out of a potential appearance in United’s FA Youth Cup final defeat to Manchester City.

The young forward has shifted from playing centrally, like his father once did, to operating out wide, where he can cut inside onto his left foot as he moves through United's youth ranks.

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His reference point in that role is Martinelli, the former Arsenal winger who left the Emirates for Al Hilal in a £60million move after making 278 appearances for the Gunners.

"If I'm playing right wing Martinelli but more like him as a striker. I'm not like a hold up striker, I'm more running behind," Kai told TikToker Gabrielvpool during an interview.

Martinelli highlighted the impact Futsal had on his development during an interview with club media in November 2024.

He said: "Futsal was really important in my growth in football. You play in a smaller pitch or court and you have to think quicker.

"How you control the ball is different. You don’t have much space so it helps you a lot."

Kai has been part of United’s academy since returning at the age of 11 and took another significant step last month by signing his first‑year scholarship contract.

The deal allows him to continue his education while progressing through the academy, having recently passed all his GCSEs.

His mum, Coleen, marked the achievement with a message on social media. Coleen wrote: "GCSE results day! ! Super proud @kairooney.10 ....Great results especially with a busy schedule, all passed and a place in 6th form!! We love you."

The next major milestone will come when he turns 17 and becomes eligible to sign a professional contract.

Wayne has previously said he prefers to step back, letting Kai play freely without interference, and avoids putting any added pressure on the teenager.

"I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds," the Reds icon said. "He's just playing, he's a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it.

"Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well."