Kai Rooney came on for Manchester United's Under-21s against Nottingham Forest as a second-half substitute but couldn't prevent the young Red Devils falling to defeat

Wayne Rooney's 16-year-old son, Kai, made his debut for Manchester United's Under-21s on Friday night - but couldn't prevent them falling to defeat.

Rooney Jr came on as a 77th-minute substitute against Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2, his first taste of football at that level.

The match at Loughborough University Stadium was tied at 2-2 when Rooney entered the fray, but just a couple of minutes later Forest took the lead and went on to claim all three points.

Kai is the same age as dad Wayne was when he spectacularly announced himself in the Premier League with a screamer for Everton against Arsenal coining the famous commentary line: "Remember the name."

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And England icon Rooney's son has now taken another step towards playing for United's first team, something which seems inevitable in the coming years.

Kai's first appearance for the U21s comes after his bow in the UEFA Youth League for United's U19s against Atletico Madrid, a game which also ended in defeat.

He has been promoted through the youth ranks having starred for United's U16s last term. He posted on Instagram before his bow for the U21s with a picture of his kit hanging in the dressing room, captioning: "U21s vs Forest."

Kai signed a two-year apprenticeship in United's academy in July which will switch to a three-year professional deal worth around £50,000 a year. United manager Michael Carrick's son, Jacey, is also in United's youth ranks.

Fuad Ayorinde Smith pounced to fire Forest ahead in the youth clash before United skipper Dan Armer levelled from the penalty spot.

United then went in front through Samuel Lusale but Forest equalised as Smith converted a penalty of his own. Forest substitute Shakur Samuels scored the winner.

Rooney Sr was signed by United for £30million in 2004 and scored a hat-trick on his debut in the Champions League. He would go on to score a club record 253 goals in 559 appearances, winning five Premier League titles along the way.