Cristiano Ronaldo Jr and Kai Rooney were both on target in the same game for Manchester United’s Under-12s, just a few years after their fathers were doing the same for United’s first team.
Kai Rooney, the oldest son of Wayne and Coleen, joined United’s academy in 2020 and made his first away trip with the academy last year after impressing early on. The younger Ronaldo, meanwhile, has only been on United’s books since February.
The youngsters’ fathers were both part of the United team which won the Champions League in 2008. While Wayne Rooney has since hung up his boots, Cristiano Ronaldo – a few months his ex-colleague’s senior – returned to Old Trafford as a player in August.
The Instagram account @risingballers shared news of the combination, making reference to the two academy players’ fathers. “Cristiano Jr & Kai Rooney both scored for Manchester United U12s yesterday,” the post – published on Monday – read.
“Kai Rooney is on 10 goals in 5 games this month… This link up is familiar.”
The youngsters’ fathers have been busy while the youngsters continue to catch the eye. Ronaldo is preparing to take on North Macedonia with Portugal for a place at the 2022 World Cup, while Rooney is attempting to battle relegation as manager of Derby County.
The under-12s side had another Rooney and Ronaldo link-up to enjoy
“We’ll see if my son will become a great footballer,” Cristiano Ronaldo said of his son in 2020. “He has potential. He is fast and dribbles well, but that is not enough.
“I always tell him that it takes work and dedication to have success. I won’t pressure him to become a footballer, but if you ask me if I want him to, yes I would like it.
“The most important thing is to become the best at whatever he does, whether it is as a footballer or a doctor.”
Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo thrived together at Man Utd
The youngster began training with United back in September, shortly after his father’s move from Juventus was completed. However, it wasn’t until a few months later that he officially signed with the club.
“I hope that Cris, my son, can be like his dad,” Cristiano Ronaldo senior said when he and his son were both on the books of Juventus. He says he is going to be better [than me], but I think it’s difficult. He is playing for Juventus and adapting really well, it has been easier for him than for me.”
Ronaldo, who is United’s top scorer this season, scored 118 times in his first stint with the club and won Premier League titles in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Wayne Rooney was also part of those title-winning sides, and left Old Trafford as the club’s all-time top scorer with 253 goals.
