Reason Kai Rooney isn't playing for Man Utd in youth game – 'Life can't get worse'

Reason Kai Rooney isn't playing for Man Utd in youth game – 'Life can't get worse'Kai Rooney will miss Manchester United's FA Youth Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace on FridayCommentsSportAbbie Meehan Senior Sports Writer16:00, 17 Apr 2026View 2 ImagesKai Rooney won't play for Manchester United again this season(Image: Ian Horrocks/Sunderland AFC via Getty Images)Kai Rooney will be absent from Manchester United's FA Youth Cup semi-final clash with Crystal Palace following a season-ending injury. The emerging talent won't feature in the squad on Friday as United look to progress past Palace and reach the competition's final against Manchester City.‌The 16-year-old has been taking his initial steps towards mirroring his father Wayne's career in England. Kai made his maiden appearance at Old Trafford in January, entering as a substitute as the U18s defeated Derby County in the Youth Cup's fourth round.‌Yet, after registering two goals and one assist in just 119 minutes of play under Darren Fletcher, the teenager won't don the iconic shirt again this campaign. The young Rooney last month informed his social media followers that he'll be sidelined for the remainder of the season while recovering from injury.‌He posted on Instagram: "Disappointed to be out for the rest of the season. Back stronger next pre-season."FOLLOW OUR MAN UTD FB PAGE! Latest United news and more on our dedicated Facebook pageREAD MORE: Casemiro's leaked text message to agent about state of things at Man Utd speaks volumesREAD MORE: Man Utd facing huge crisis for pivotal Chelsea clash ahead of FA punishmentThis unfortunate announcement isn't the first occasion Rooney has documented his injury struggles online. Earlier in the campaign, the 16-year-old shared a photograph of himself wearing a medical boot and using crutches, sharing his feelings on being sidelined with the caption: "Life can't get worse....