MANCHESTER UNITED supporters are calling for Michael Carrick to include Kai Rooney in the starting lineup against Chelsea after the young striker netted FOUR goals in a recent youth match.

The 16-year-old demonstrated he is following in his father’s footsteps with his impressive performance against Burnley for United’s Under-18 team.

Kai, the son of United icon Wayne Rooney, exhibited the clinical finishing that the first team has been lacking after enduring EIGHT games without a victory.

His first goal came from a solid first-time finish after a teammate’s header hit the post.

Kai’s second goal was a penalty after he was brought down in the area.

He completed his hat-trick with a deft header from a corner, extending United’s lead to 3-0.

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He added a fourth goal by evading his marker and striking into the corner.

United secured a dominant 6-0 victory, with Jaume Camacho and Noah Ajayi also contributing to the scoreline.

Fans are now joking that Kai’s performance warrants a place in the starting XI for their crucial match against Chelsea this Saturday.

One supporter quipped: “This boy is better than all our forwards.”

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Another wrote: “What’s he doing Saturday around half 12?”

A third added: “We should rely on our academy against Chelsea whenever possible. Trust the young lads.”

A fourth suggested: “Let’s play him up front against Chelsea; no one’s producing goals in the first team right now.”

Another commented: “His dad was just 16 when he made his debut for Everton against Spurs; could Kai Rooney make his senior debut against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge at 16?”

There are significant hopes that Kai will emulate his father, who scored 253 goals in 559 appearances for United.

Earlier this month, he made his Under-21 debut after moving up through several age groups.

He started on the bench against Nottingham Forest but came on in the second half during the 3-2 defeat.

Kai has experience with both United and Manchester City, as well as a brief stint in Maryland, USA, while his father played in the MLS.

In 2020, he returned to the Red Devils after re-signing with the club following a competitive bid for his services.

He scored a remarkable 56 goals for the U12s in the 2021/22 season, setting a record for that age group, and also provided 28 assists.

He continued to rise through the ranks, joining the U18s squad while still 15 in the 2024/25 season.

Last season, he became a regular for the Under-18s and even played at Old Trafford for the first time earlier this year.