Kai Rooney started on the bench against Derby County in the FA Youth Cup, but replaced Godwill Kukonki to make his official Old Trafford debut.
Manchester United’s under-18s returned to FA Youth Cup action on Friday night against Derby County, following their 1-0 win in the last round against Peterborough United – courtesy of JJ Gabriel.
It was Darren Fletcher’s first game back for the U18s after his spell in charge of United’s senior side. The former Scotland international replaced Rúben Amorim for the Premier League fixture against Burnley and the FA Cup tie against Brighton. While he couldn’t pick up a win for the first team, that trend changed tonight.
The game was a stalemate for much of the contest, with Cristiano Dzialuk performing as well as his namesake Cristiano Ronaldo, although at the other end of the pitch, to stop Chido Obi breaking the deadlock.
In truth, the game was overshadowed by reports that Kai Rooney was set to be included in the squad to face Derby County. To many people’s disappointment, Rooney junior was only named amongst the substitutes but did make his Old Trafford debut after 99 minutes, replacing Godwill Kukonki.
After a dominant display, United finally broke the deadlock thanks to a James Overy cross. The young Australian delivered a good ball into the box, which was subsequently turned home by Luca Crolla – the Derby County No.4.
The win will see United face Oxford United in the fifth round away from home.
Rooney shows versatility
Rooney has already made several appearances for the U18s, largely as a centre-forward. But his first Old Trafford appearance came from the right wing, forcing Bendito Mantato back to left-back.
Unlike his father, Rooney is a left-footer. He constantly looked to cut inside onto his strong left foot, although he wasn’t afraid of driving down the outside either – a trait that will stand him in good stead if he ever makes it to the first team.
Unfortunately for those who anticipated a high-flying debut for Rooney, the 16-year-old failed to get into the game as United looked to sit off and play a low block, rather than kill the game with goal after goal.
When he was on the ball, Rooney looked a threat – a promising sign, considering it was his first game back from injury after several months on the sideline.
Rooney’s Old Trafford debut would’ve come much sooner if it hadn’t been for that injury, which saw him forced onto crutches and into a protective boot.
The generation’s of United
Wayne watched his son from the Director’s box alongside Michael Carrick and Jonny Evans.
Carrick was sitting next to his children, notably Jacey, who has appeared on the bench for Fletcher’s U18s side this season. Evans was also accompanied by his children, although both of whom are much younger.
Jack and Tyler Fletcher – twin sons of Darren – have both appeared on the senior team’s bench this season, with Jack making several appearances under Rúben Amorim.
In recent years, United have often been criticised for forgetting the club’s roots: attacking football and the youth setup. But with Carrick at the helm, for now at least, he could return United to the ways of old, perhaps even with an appearance from ‘the next generation’ of some former United stars.
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