Future Stars Shine: Rooney and Carrick's Sons Lead Man Utd U16s to SuperCupNI Final
Manchester United's U16s, led by the sons of legends Rooney and Carrick, reach the SuperCupNI final, showcasing future talent.




The SuperCupNI has always been a breeding ground for future football stars, and this year is no exception. Manchester United's U16s, featuring the sons of club legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick, have once again reached the Premier Division final. They will face Southampton in a highly anticipated match that will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website.
A Legacy Continues
Manchester United has a storied history at the SuperCupNI, formerly known as the Milk Cup. The tournament has seen the likes of David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, and Marcus Rashford rise through the ranks before making their mark at Old Trafford. This year, Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are the names on everyone's lips, carrying the weight of their fathers' legacies.
The Road to the Final
The journey to the final has been anything but easy. The U16s have demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination. Their coach, Tom Curtis, who heads player development for the 13-16 age group at Manchester United, has been impressed with their performance.
"Wayne and Michael were top, top players - world class players - so, of course, there's a bit of pressure on the lads but I don't think they feel it," Curtis said. "They have been fantastic in their work ethic, their application, their approach to the tournament, which is a really tough one by the way, especially the way we play."
Handling the Spotlight
Despite the attention, both Rooney and Carrick have remained grounded. Curtis praised the parents for their support and the way they manage their sons' football careers.
"The parents are fantastic, the way they have supported their sons in their Manchester United journey," Curtis added. "In all seriousness, the way they as parents manage the lads' football has been top class and I don't feel that the boys feel any pressure."
A Glimpse into the Future
For local Manchester United fans, this tournament offers a glimpse into the potential future stars of the club. Curtis believes that dealing with the pressure and attention is an invaluable experience for the young players.
"If these lads are going to go and play for Manchester United they're going to have to deal with the pressure so it's really nice practice for them," he said. "I've loved them going to sign their autographs, I've loved them dealing with the craziness really – everyone's a United fan."
The Final Showdown
The final against Southampton promises to be a thrilling encounter. With the legacy of their fathers and the hopes of Manchester United fans behind them, Kai Rooney and Jacey Carrick are ready to make their mark. Tune in to BBC Sport to catch all the action live.