Kai Rooney appears poised to step onto the Old Trafford pitch tonight, potentially marking a historic moment for the Manchester United dynasty.
The 16-year-old son of club legend Wayne took to Instagram earlier today to share a nostalgic photograph from the 2014-15 season, showing himself as a young boy walking across the Theatre of Dreams turf alongside his father.
His caption simply read "OT" accompanied by heart and eyes emojis.
Supporters have strongly suggested he will feature in Darren Fletcher's squad for this evening's FA Youth Cup fourth-round clash against Derby County Under-18s.
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Kai's path to this potential debut has not been straightforward.
A foot injury sustained in September left the teenager sidelined, forcing him to share a photograph of himself in a protective boot and on crutches with the despairing caption: "Life can't get worse."
The setback meant he missed the third-round victory over Peterborough United in December, a match also played at Old Trafford.
Prior to the injury, the young attacker had made just two brief substitute appearances for the Under-18s.
Kai Rooney appears poised to step onto the Old Trafford pitch tonight
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He came on against Everton and Middlesbrough and had found the net once during those outings.
Tonight's fixture has been moved to Old Trafford rather than the youth team's usual home at Leigh Sports Village, where most Under-18 matches take place alongside the Carrington training ground.
The Theatre of Dreams is available this weekend as the senior squad travels to Arsenal on Sunday.
Fletcher, 41, has resumed his role overseeing the Under-18s following a brief two-match spell as interim first-team manager after Ruben Amorim's departure earlier this month.
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The Theatre of Dreams is available this weekend as the senior squad travels to Arsenal on Sunday
| PAMichael Carrick has since been appointed to lead the senior side until the season's end.
The former United midfielder has guided Kai through various age groups during his development at the club.
Wayne's presence at his son's matches has been complicated by his celebrity status.
Coleen Rooney revealed during her I'm a Celebrity appearance in 2024 that Kai had asked his father to stop attending grassroots tournaments because he would be "swarmed" by fans and unable to watch properly.
Supporters have strongly suggested he will feature in Darren Fletcher's squad for this evening's FA Youth Cup fourth-round clash against Derby County Under-18s
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She explained: "How do you say to all of these kids: 'Go away, I'm watching my son?'"
The family has been careful not to burden their children with expectations.
Coleen told The Mirror in September 2024: "We've never pressured them into even playing football. We've always just let them decide what they want to do."
When people ask Kai whether he matches his father's ability, his response is telling: "I'm a different type of player."
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