Wayne Rooney explains why he's taking a 'stand off approach' with son Kai as 15-year-old prospect aims to follow in Man Utd legend's footsteps

Kai Rooney is on Manchester United's books and has been catching the eye with the Red Devils. The 15-year-old has been on target for Manchester United's Under-16 team at the SuperCupNI as he continues to make his way through the youth ranks.

Dad Wayne has been in Northern Ireland to support his son but is well aware of the pressure and spotlight the famous Rooney surname brings. Indeed the former Manchester United and England star says he does his best to take a step back in a bid to ensure that Kai can simply enjoy the sport he loves without having any added pressure on his young shoulders.

He told BBC Sport: "I just let him play. I think they started the competition well, they won 3-0, he scored the penalty and got an assist. So I think he started OK. He just plays and that's all he's done during his time playing.

"I think it's very unfair for anyone to expect him to go and do all kinds. He's just playing, he's a 15-year-old boy playing his football, enjoying it. Of course he gets different attention to a lot of his team-mates but I think he handles that really well.

"He has great coaches at Manchester United, so I take a stand off approach. I speak to him, but for me it's all about his mentality and his mindset, to make sure he keeps enjoying it - that's the main thing for me."

Rooney will no doubt be watching on again when Kai and his Manchester United team-mates play their next fixture against Co Tyrone on Wednesday.