Wayne Rooney watches son Kai star in 6-1 thrashing but Man United teammate steals the show

Wayne Rooney was in attendance to watch the Manchester United U18s in the week as son Kai delivered a neat assist on his return to the team.

However, it was Kai’s teammate, JJ Gabriel, who stole the show as United romped to a 6-1 win over Derby at Carrington on on Wednesday.

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The younger Rooney, who made his Old Trafford debut last month, returned to the U18 side having been dropped into the U16s recently.

And teenager Kai started the game from the bench as United’s record goalscorer watched on from the stands.

Rooney was sat alongside former United defender John O’Shea, who still works with the United Foundation.

Kai came off the bench in the 70th minute to provide a late assist for Noah Ajayi as United eased to a hefty win over the Rams.

Despite starting the game against Derby as a sub, Kai has already been offered a bumper deal to stay at the club.

Angel Gabriel

Even with an assist in the final knockings, it was teammate Gabriel who again caught the eye for the Manchester powerhouse.

The 15-year-old bagged a brace against Derby, as did Ajayi and Louie Bradbury.

Gabriel’s two-goal salvo means he has now scored six goals in his last four matches, including a stunning solo strike against Wolves, and 16 in 18 games this season as the teenage forward continues to shine.

The young striker has previously trained with the United first team as senior figures keep close tabs on the forward.

Michael Carrick, along with assistants Steve Holland and Jonathan Woodgate, also watched on as Gabriel maintained his flying goalscoring form.

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U18s head coach Darren Fletcher has previously spoken highly of Gabriel, and last month said: “JJ is a fantastic talent. I’ve enjoyed working with him immensely, getting to know him.

“He’s a young lad with a massive sort of hype, you know there’s a lot of noise around him and deservedly so because he’s a really talented kid.

“He works hard. First thing I’d say is he loves football. He loves training, he loves playing, he loves having the ball, he loves expressing himself. He makes fantastic decisions.

“He’s got an enthusiasm for the game that’s just amazing. 15-year-old, a bright future ahead of him.”

‘Super excited’

The former United midfielder did stress the importance of not over-promoting Gabriel too young, adding: “I’m super excited by his talent, but the most important thing is that he keeps developing, and he’s in the U18s team, and he’s doing fantastically well, but he’s still got lots to learn.

“He’s developing within there. But the world’s his oyster and he just needs to go on his journey and his time will come in due course.

“But for now, it’s a little bit early (to put him in the first team) I think and I think a lot of people would agree with me.

“But I couldn’t speak highly enough of JJ. He’s got an amazing family and amazing support around him and he’s somebody we’re delighted to have at the club.”

United U18s are next in action next week when they host West Ham at Carrington in the Premier League Cup.

Fletcher’s side then return to league duties with a home game against Nottingham Forest next Saturday.