Kai Rooney Makes Old Trafford Debut As Manchester United U18s Edge Derby In FA Youth Cup Thriller

On a chilly Friday night at Old Trafford, the echoes of Manchester United’s storied past mingled with the promise of a bright future as the club’s Under-18s edged Derby County 2-1 in a dramatic FA Youth Cup fourth-round encounter. The spotlight shone brightest on three rising talents—Chido Obi, JJ Gabriel, and Kai Rooney—whose performances and stories intertwined to create a night that will linger long in the memory of the 2,223 fans in attendance.

For many, the narrative began days earlier with a cryptic Instagram post from 16-year-old Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne Rooney. He shared a nostalgic image of himself as a child walking Old Trafford’s hallowed turf with his father, captioned simply “OT” and punctuated with a red heart and eyes emoji. The post set tongues wagging: Would Kai make his long-awaited debut at the Theatre of Dreams?

Fate smiled on the young forward. After a frustrating spell on the sidelines—having missed December’s third-round win over Peterborough United due to a foot injury—Kai was named among the substitutes for the Derby clash. The anticipation was palpable, especially with Wayne Rooney himself in the stands, joined by former United midfielder Michael Carrick, Steve Holland, and Jonny Evans. Their presence, alongside first-team staff, signaled the renewed importance the club places on youth development. According to academy head Stephen Torpey, “It’s fantastic to see the first-team staff supporting our young players again.”

Manager Darren Fletcher, who returned to lead the U18s after a stint with the senior squad’s backroom, faced a selection headache many coaches would envy. His squad boasted an embarrassment of riches up front: 15-year-old sensation JJ Gabriel, already with a Nike contract and 11 goals in 14 appearances this season, and Chido Obi, who dropped down from the U21s and had made seven Premier League appearances last term. Fletcher’s intent was clear—he wanted to win the Youth Cup and wasn’t afraid to field his best.

The opening half saw United dominate possession, with Gabriel dazzling on the left wing. Time and again he turned his marker inside out, his balance and trickery drawing gasps from the crowd. One surge resulted in a shot that Derby’s Polish keeper, Cristiano Dzialuk, tipped wide. Dzialuk’s heroics would become a theme, as he thwarted Obi with an outstretched leg and later denied a header from the United striker off a James Bailey corner. Despite United’s probing, the first half ended goalless.

Derby emerged more assertive after the break, forcing United keeper Cameron Byrne-Hughes into action. But the breakthrough refused to come. The tension mounted as the clock ticked past 90 minutes, with both sides seeing half-chances go begging. Fletcher, ever the animated presence on the touchline, barked instructions: “Bendi, come on!” he implored winger Bendito Mantato during a Derby counter.

Extra time beckoned, and with it, the introduction of fresh legs. In the 99th minute, the crowd erupted as Kai Rooney stepped onto the Old Trafford pitch, donning the number 18 shirt—an echo of his father’s debut number at Everton. Chants of “Rooney, Rooney” filled the air, a poignant reminder of the family legacy but also the weight of expectation on young shoulders. Kai, for his part, has always insisted, “I’m a different type of player,” determined to carve his own identity rather than chase his father’s shadow.

The deadlock finally broke in the 101st minute. Substitute James Overy whipped in a dangerous cross, and Derby’s Luca Crolla—ironically a former Manchester City defender—could only turn the ball into his own net. The relief was palpable, but there was more to come. Two minutes later, a defensive lapse allowed Obi to pounce, coolly lifting the ball over Dzialuk to double United’s lead. Obi’s celebration—a knee slide in front of the jubilant home fans—captured the moment’s raw emotion.

Yet Derby refused to wilt. A misjudgment by Byrne-Hughes gifted Max Nessling a late goal, setting up a nervy finale. The visitors pressed for an equalizer, but United’s defense—marshaled by the tireless efforts of Mills, Armer, and Helafu—held firm. As the final whistle blew, the young Red Devils advanced to the round of 16, where a trip to Oxford United now awaits.

Beyond the result, this was a night rich in storylines. For Kai Rooney, it marked a symbolic return to the pitch after months of rehabilitation and a chance to make his Old Trafford debut under the gaze of his legendary father. Wayne Rooney, United’s all-time leading scorer with 253 goals, had scored a wonder free-kick in a legends match just months earlier, but on this night, the focus was squarely on the next generation. Coleen Rooney, Kai’s mother, has long emphasized that the family never pressured their children into football. “We’ve always just let them decide what they want to do,” she said in a recent interview. That philosophy was evident as Kai, now transitioned from striker to left-footed right winger, embraced the challenge on his own terms.

JJ Gabriel, meanwhile, continued to justify his growing reputation. His dazzling footwork and attacking verve drew comparisons to some of the game’s greats, with fans and pundits alike tipping him as “the kid Messi.” Obi, for his part, showed why he’s considered one of the most lethal finishers at youth level, even as coaches urge him to refine his decision-making and work rate.

The presence of first-team staff and former stars in the directors’ box was not lost on the players. Michael Carrick, who watched the U21s earlier in the week, spoke of his excitement at attending the Youth Cup clash. “It’s a special competition for this club,” he noted, referencing United’s proud tradition in the tournament, which they last won in 2022 against Nottingham Forest.

For manager Darren Fletcher, the victory was vindication of his approach and a testament to the depth of talent at his disposal. His animated coaching and tactical tweaks played a key role in steadying the side during Derby’s late surge. The win also underscored United’s commitment to youth, a value that has defined the club from the Busby Babes to the Class of ’92 and now to a new generation hungry to etch their names into history.

As the young Red Devils look ahead to the next round against Oxford United, the sense of momentum is unmistakable. The night belonged to the future—one shaped by the likes of Kai Rooney, JJ Gabriel, and Chido Obi, each determined to write their own chapter in Manchester United’s illustrious story. The journey continues, and if this performance is any indication, the Theatre of Dreams remains in good hands.