Wayne Rooney's son Kai scores four goals for Man Utd U-12s vs Liverpool

The son of Old Trafford legend Wayne Rooney is following in his father's footsteps with his goalscoring exploits for Manchester United.

Kai Rooney, 11, scored four goals for the Red Devils' Under-12 team as they took on rivals Liverpool.

His remarkable haul could not prevent his side falling to a 5-4 defeat, but it is the latest sign of his eye-catching potential as he looks to progress through the academy ranks.

Kai penned his first contract with United in December 2020 after turning down interest from a number of clubs.

His dad marked the occasion by posting: "Proud day. Kai signing for @ManUtd. Keep up the hard work son."

Kai Rooney signed his first contract with Manchester United in December ( Image:

Wayne Rooney / Twitter)

Mum Coleen also posed as Kai signed his deal and wrote on social media: "Special night... congratulations Kai. I love you and I am so proud of you. Keep trying your best."

Rooney senior is United's record goalscorer, netting 253 goals in 559 appearances after joining the club from boyhood side Everton in 2004.

He famously scored all four goals in a 4-0 victory over Hull City in the Premier League in 2010.

Kai, meanwhile, supports the Toffees and is the elder brother to Klay, Kit and Cass.

He began making a name for himself in United's academy set-up earlier this year by scoring a hat-trick for the Under-11s against Stoke City in May.

On that day, his efforts were also rewarded with victory as United won 6-3, while the youngster also grabbed three assists.

Kai travelled for an away game for the first time in August, prompting his dad to post: "Good luck to my son Kai on his first trip away with Manchester United."

Coleen added: "First trip away for my big boy. Good luck Kai."

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Wayne Rooney is currently manager of Derby County following a brief stint playing for the Rams after he returned to the UK from American club D.C. United in January 2020.

The 35-year-old said he was a "proud dad" after his son joined United and insisted it was Kai's decision to do so

"He's been working hard, he obviously came over to the States with us to continue with his football," said Rooney.

"He went on trial with Manchester United and he's impressed the coaches. He signed his forms yesterday so I'm delighted for him.

Rooney added: "He did have other options, other clubs to go to. But he decided he wants to sign for Manchester United, so it was his decision and not mine."

The son of Cristiano Ronaldo, Cristiano Jr., is also in the academy set-up at Manchester United.

The 11-year-old had been playing for Juventus ' youth teams during his father's time with the Italian giants but followed him to the north-west of England this summer.

It is unknown whether Kai and Cristiano Jr. are playing alongside each other, just as their dad's did for five seasons at Old Trafford.