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Kai Rooney continues to shine at Manchester United and appears ready to take the next step in his development. That's the view of several insiders at the club who are keen to see the player progress following an impressive start to this campaign. The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney has sparked renewed hope that he might emulate his father's achievements after netting four in a single under-18s fixture.
Rooney Jr scored the first four goals for United's U18s in a 6-0 demolition of Burnley, which featured a perfect hat-trick during the second period.
A senior debut may not be on the immediate horizon, though nothing can be ruled out given the first team's current difficulties and Benjamin Sesko's fitness problems.
Yet Rooney Jr - who celebrates his 17th birthday on Monday - has made his bow for United's under-21s and has featured in the under-19 UEFA Youth League this season, boosting his chances.
"As a player, Kai impacts games; he's tenacious, he has an eye for goal," one club insider revealed to The Athletic. "We are now interested to see what he's like as he gets fitter and healthier since he had injuries and setbacks last year.
"Now, he's been able to get into a rhythm since the start of the year. That's key, that's the first time it has happened at the higher levels.
"He's progressing well and we have belief in him, that's why he's been in both the Youth League squad and under-21 squad - both are higher than his age groups. He has a lot of talent and it's important that he continues to develop it."
Predominantly operating as a right winger, Rooney has clearly inherited his father's instinct for finding the net. However, unlike his dad, Kai favours his left foot while remaining proficient with both.
This versatility was on full display during this week's thrashing of Burnley, where the teenager scored off of each foot. Old Trafford supporters will undoubtedly welcome the comparisons being drawn with his father, who remains United's record goalscorer.
Another United source told The Athletic: "He's a great kid. Holds his own 100 per cent. He is a goalscorer who is quick off the shoulder. He's explosive over five to ten yards.
"He's not the biggest, he's going to be like his dad's build. Small, squat, aggressive. When he's on it, he's on it. He just has to be more consistent. But he has moments like against Burnley where he can get you off the edge of your seat."
A separate coach with experience working with Kai added: "Kai's got a load of self-confidence. He can use both feet, but he's primarily left-footed.
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"He's an accurate shooter with a powerful, clean, shot: good traits going for him as a striker. He's a good lad, never had any issues with him but he was also injured and I'm glad he's through that and playing well."
Rooney's four-goal salvo against Burnley boosted his tally to five goals and one assist in just three under-18 Premier League appearances this season.
He made his under-21s bow during a 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2, where he was unable to leave a significant mark on proceedings.
His current form suggests Rooney may soon find the under-18 setup no longer presents a sufficient challenge.
That would represent a monumental stride towards earning his senior debut and formally embarking on his quest to follow in father Wayne's footsteps at Old Trafford.
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