Manchester United prospect Kai Rooney, son of club legend Wayne, is due a step up in responsibilities after netting four in a recent under-18 match

Kai Rooney continues to build his reputation at Manchester United and looks ready to take the next step in his development. That's according to multiple insiders within the club eager to see the player push on after a bright start to this season.

The 16-year-old son of Wayne Rooney has inspired fresh talk that he could be ready to follow in dad's footsteps after scoring four in one game. Rooney Jr scored the first four goals for United's under-18s in a 6-0 hammering of Burnley, which included a perfect hat-trick in the second half.

A first-team debut may not be imminent, though anything's possible given the first team's recent struggles and Benjamin Sesko's injury woes. However, Rooney - who turns 17 on Monday - has debuted for United's under-21s and has seen minutes in the under-19 UEFA Youth League this term, elevating his prospects.

"As a player, Kai impacts games; he’s tenacious, he has an eye for goal," one club insider told The Athletic. "We are now interested to see what he’s like as he gets fitter and healthier since he had injuries and setbacks last year.

"Now, he’s been able to get into a rhythm since the start of the year. That’s key, that’s the first time it has happened at the higher levels.

"He’s progressing well and we have belief in him, that’s why he’s been in both the Youth League squad and under-21 squad - both are higher than his age groups. He has a lot of talent and it’s important that he continues to develop it."

Primarily a right winger, it's clear Rooney has taken leaves out of his dad's book considering his eye for goal. Unlike his dad, Kai is primarily left-footed but is comfortable on either side.

That much is evident by the fact he scored using each foot in this week's demolition of Burnley. And fans at Old Trafford will be excited to hear the teenager draw comparisons with his father, who remains United's all-time top scorer.

Another United source told The Athletic: "He’s a great kid. Holds his own 100 per cent. He is a goalscorer who is quick off the shoulder. He’s explosive over five to ten yards.

"He’s not the biggest, he’s going to be like his dad’s build. Small, squat, aggressive. When he’s on it, he’s on it. He just has to be more consistent. But he has moments like against Burnley where he can get you off the edge of your seat."

Another coach with experience coaching Kai added: “Kai’s got a load of self-confidence. He can use both feet but he’s primarily left footed.

"He’s an accurate shooter with a powerful, clean, shot: good traits going for him as a striker. He’s a good lad, never had any issues with him but he was also injured and I’m glad he’s through that and playing well."

Rooney's four-goal blitz against Burnley improved his record to five goals and one assist in only three appearances in the under-18 Premier League this term. His debut for United's under-21s came during a 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the Premier League 2, where he didn't get the chance to make a major impact.

His current trajectory paints the picture that Rooney may soon outgrow his surroundings in the under-18s. That will count as a giant step towards making his debut with the first team and officially beginning the journey to emulate dad Wayne at Old Trafford.