Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney's diet during his playing days has provided a blueprint for his son, Kai, in his burgeoning football career

Kai Rooney's pre-match diet is identical to what his father, Wayne, used to follow during his illustrious playing career. The Manchester United prospect, who turned 17 earlier this week, is hoping to follow in the footsteps of the Red Devils icon and make his mark on the professional scene.

The youngster is certainly putting his best foot forward on the pitch after his four-goal haul in a 6-0 victory over Burnley's U18's last week. He followed up his stunning showing with a goal in a 4-1 win over Blackburn Rovers four days later before being sent off when shown a second yellow card in the second half.

Kai's productivity on the pitch is matched by his discipline regarding what he consumes to fuel his body. Like his father, the teenager follows a strict diet that includes eating chicken and pasta two days before a game, Mail Sport reports.

He then switches to helpings of salmon, rice and a rice pudding the night before a match. The morning of a game sees Kai tuck into oatmeal with honey and protein powder, as per the Manchester Evening News.

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While his dietary discipline has been praised by figures within the United academy, the 17-year-old allows himself a cheat meal on occasion. His favoured choice for a spot of indulgence is said to be the family's regular Chinese takeaway 'WowYauChow' in Altrincham.

It was also revealed that the promising star's favourite dish is the crispy chilli beef. Alongside his focus on his career, Kai's off-the-pitch hobbies include cooking, and the forward is also fluent in Spanish.

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His rise through United's academy and his current standing within the club was featured on The Real Rooneys docu-series, which premiered on Disney+ last month. Wayne, 41, opened up about the role his family are playing in his son's development and the importance of hard work.

The England legend said: "Kai is determined to be a football player. I try to give a little bit of advice when I can, really. I think what we are trying to do is help him be ready, whether that's for football or something else.

"He's at that point now in life where you think you know everything. You think you know more, and you're better than everyone. When people talk to me now, they still say the one thing they loved about me, more than anything, was my work rate.

"That's the biggest compliment you can get. This is just the start for Kai. He's the only one who can do it. It's got to come from inside of you."