Rooney Jr scored four goals in a commanding 6-0 victory. The 16-year-old hopes to follow in his father's footsteps and become a regular in the senior squad in the future. And he sent a clear reminder to the club's decision-makers, INEOS, about his prospects for the years to come with his four-goal haul.

Kai's predatory instincts were clear to see just 22 minutes into Tuesday's clash at the Clarets' training complex in Lancashire. Emmanuel Ziro delivered the ball towards Jaume Camacho, with the midfielder striking the woodwork with a powerful header.

The ball subsequently rebounded towards Kai, who drove it firmly and low into the bottom right corner with his left foot before racing away in celebration, sliding towards the corner flag on his knees.

The youngster was not satisfied with a solitary goal for the afternoon, though, calmly slotting home from the penalty spot four minutes after the restart having been fouled inside Callum Feeney's box by Tambwe Leonard.

In the 63rd minute, Kai secured his hat-trick with a looping header off the back of a corner from Jay McEvoy. A fourth arrived just three minutes afterwards, the teenage prospect again finishing low into the bottom right corner from within the box.

Camacho added to United's lead with eight minutes remaining, hammering the ball into the top right corner. And Noah Ajayi also joined the scoring in the 84th minute to complete the 6-0 rout.

It has been an excellent start to the new campaign for Kai, who now has five goals and an assist for his efforts in just three outings from the right wing.

This will be a crumb of encouragement to United supporters amid the pessimism enveloping the senior squad.

Carrick's position remains precarious at Old Trafford, with the 45-year-old steering the Red Devils to one win from their first eight Premier League fixtures.

More alarmingly still, United are winless in their last eight matches across all competitions, having crashed out of the Carabao Cup in the third round.

As a result, they occupy 16th position in the league table, merely a solitary point from safety. While Carrick still has the opportunity to reverse fortunes, faith is diminishing at the Theatre of Dreams.

Saturday's 12.30pm encounter against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge might prove the final straw.

While prospects for the senior side currently appear grim, United followers can take solace in the fact that their youth system brims with emerging talent poised to graduate into the first-team squad.

Not only did Kai shine against Burnley on Tuesday afternoon, but Camacho demonstrated his own credentials at the weekend.

As well as Kai Rooney and Camacho, United already have some other exciting emerging talents like Shea Lacey and Jack and Tyler Fletcher for fans to get excited about.

The immediate situation is dark for the Red Devils but the longer-term future suggests brighter days are ahead.

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