Wayne Rooney's 16-year-old son, Kai Rooney, made his debut for Manchester United's Under-21s on Friday night - but he was unable to inspire the team

Wayne Rooney's 16-year-old son, Kai, made the latest step in his career at Manchester United as he came off the bench to make his debut for the Under-21s on Friday night.

Kai entered the game as a 77th-minute substitute against Nottingham Forest in Premier League 2, marking his first experience of football at this level; however, he was unable to inspire United to victory.

The match at Loughborough University Stadium was evenly poised at 2-2 when Rooney joined the action, but Forest quickly took the lead and ultimately secured all three points.

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Kai is currently the same age as his father was when he famously burst onto the Premier League scene with a stunning goal for Everton against Arsenal, prompting the iconic commentary line: "Remember the name."

And now, England legend Rooney's son has taken another significant stride towards playing for United's first team, a prospect that seems increasingly likely in the coming years.

Kai's first outing for the U21s follows his UEFA Youth League debut for United's U19s against Atletico Madrid, a match which also ended in defeat.

He has swiftly risen through the youth ranks after impressing for United's U16s last season. Before his U21s debut, he shared a photo on Instagram of his kit hanging in the dressing room, captioned: "U21s vs Forest."

Kai signed a two-year apprenticeship with United's academy in July, which will transition into a three-year professional contract worth approximately £50,000 annually. Jacey, the son of United manager Michael Carrick, is also part of United's youth setup.

Fuad Ayorinde Smith seized the opportunity to put Forest ahead in the youth encounter before United captain Dan Armer equalised from the penalty spot.

United subsequently took the lead through Samuel Lusale, but Forest drew level again as Smith netted a penalty of his own. Forest substitute Shakur Samuels then bagged the decisive goal.

Rooney Sr was snapped up by United for £30million in 2004 and marked his debut in the Champions League with a hat-trick. He would go on to net a club record 253 goals in 559 appearances, clinching five Premier League titles in the process.