Category Entertainment News

Wayne Rooney knows all about the ups and down of football, but the Manchester United legend’s young son Kai is currently learning these things the hard way

Wayne Rooney’s 15-year-old son Kai has said ‘life can’t get worse’ after suffering a painful injury while playing in Manchester United’s development team. Rooney, 35, won numerous titles at Old Trafford and is hoping his eldest child can follow in his footsteps.

Unfortunately, the only steps young Kai will be taking in the coming days will be on crutches. Before the setback, Kai was enjoying a lightning fast ascent at Rooney’s old club.

He was recently called up to the United-19s squad where he was playing with other prospects who are four years older than him. His call-up was then followed by a sweet goal he scored for the Under-18s, which saw him fire a left-footed volley into the top corner.

Sadly, any positive momentum he has amassed will have to be rediscovered as he is set for a period on the sidelines. Kai uploaded a mirror selfie of himself showing off the protective boot he has on his right foot. In a caption overlaying the photo, he wrote: “Life can’t get worse” alongside a crying emoji.

READ MORE: Rhodri Giggs hits out at Ryan Giggs snub despite affair that made him £1millionREAD MORE: Wayne Rooney reveals I’m A Celeb stance and tells ITV bosses his nightmare trial

It’s a post which will invoke empathy from all footballers who have suffered a bad injury in their career. The nature of his injury or how long it will stop him from playing is currently unclear.

However, the tone in his post suggests it may be a long time until he is playing for United again. While he is yet to wrestle the spotlight onto himself in the same way as his iconic father, there has been plenty of promise around Kai.

He usually features in a central position for United, just like Rooney Sr, but he has also starred in the wider areas. Kai was particularly impressive while playing for the Red Devils in the Super Cup NI in Northern Ireland earlier this summer.

Wayne also starred in a similar tournament when he was a young and hungry prospect at Everton. Rooney cheered on his son’s displays alongside wife Coleen and his youngest sons Kit and Cass.

The former England skipper was recently asked to explain any influence he has had on Kai’s youthful football career so far. Instead of peppering him with advice, the Reds all-time highest goal-scorer is allowing Kai to play the game in the way he sees fit.

In a previous interview, Rooney 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.”

Kai has been with the United academy since the age of 11. He joined the Red Devils youth set-up in 2020, where he his playing style has evoked memories of his famous father strutting his stuff at Old Trafford.

Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.

Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package

This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more

£49

£35

Get the deal here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Olivia Attwood wows fans in a ‘stunning’ cream maxi dress and radiant Charlotte Tilbury glam at the 2025 NTAs, including ‘miracle’ eye patches that de-puff

The National Television Awards are always a highlight on our style calendar, often filled with amazing celebrity fashion and beauty moments, and tonight’s red carpet has already begun to kick off. Presenters, actors, and reality TV stars have been pulling out all the stops so far in show-stopping gowns, sleek tailoring, and glam beauty looks at London’s O2 arena. Although the awards are celebrating the best in TV, we can’t keep our eyes off the style moments stealing the spotlight. And Olivia Attwood’s look has definitely stolen the show. Sporting a gorgeous gown creamy, almost butter yellow shade, and dazzling yellow jewels, Olivia is having her ‘How To Lose A Guy in 10 Days’ moment on the carpet tonight.

As gorgeous as her dress is, we couldn’t stop looking at her glowing makeup, which is all thanks to Charlotte Tilbury.

Teasing her getting ready process to her Instagram followers, Olivia, who’s nominated at tonight’s show, shared her MUA’s glam table, packed full of Charlotte Tilbury’s best-selling products. A few of the products we spotted include the new Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray Matte, the Luxury Eyeshadow Palette in Pillow Talk, and the Airbrush Flawless Finish Pressed Powder.

Not to mention, the Immediate Revival Under Eye Patches, a beauty hack loved by professionals ahead of big events for calming and de-puffing the under eye area. Shoppers have claimed they work ‘miracles’ on eye bags and puffiness.

READ MORE: Susanna Reid looks gorgeous in on-sale pink dress as she shows off new ‘bronde’ hair colour

READ MORE: Ugg’s new style of boot for autumn 2025 is dividing the internet– would you wear them?

Fans have been flooding Olivia’s comments with praise writing, “Love the way she did your makeup”, “I’m obsessed with this look”, and “Literally the most beaut you’ve ever looked, wow”.

As with the Andie Anderson-inspired yellow jewels and low bun, Olivia seems to be taking further inspiration from the noughties with her peachy, glowy glam that reminds us of iconic peach make-up looks from Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce back in the 2000s.

Charlotte Tilbury is taking over glam at the award shows this year with Oscar Leading Actress nominee Demi Moore’s ‘ageless’ red carpet glam, thanks to a £20 Charlotte Tilbury buy. The actress dazzled on the red carpet, sporting a full face of Charlotte Tilbury cosmetics.

One product, in particular, stole the limelight, contributing to Demi’s timeless and radiant glow – the Airbrush Flawless Setting Spray, priced at £20 for the 34ml travel size and £32 for the full size.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is being released this week and despite the subtitle of the film, it’s already been teased that the story may not be over for fans just yet

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale fans are expecting to bid farewell to characters from the beloved franchise when it’s released on Friday. The third film in the series, it follows on from Downton Abbey (2019) and A New Era (2022).

Focusing on the Crawley family and their staff as they navigate how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, the film sees the story enter the 1930s. It’s previously been teased that it will “close off” the stories that began on the ITV show, which ran for six seasons from 2010 to 2015.

Despite being billed as the “grand finale,” it’s been suggested that fans may not have to say goodbye just yet. There’s been hints about potential spin-offs already and it’s now teased that a prequel series could be underway in the future.

READ MORE: Downton Abbey Mrs Patmore star Lesley Nicol admits cast divide as she gushes over one bondREAD MORE: Downton Abbey’s final film features unexpected cameos from relatives of iconic star

Allen Leech, known for his role as former chauffeur Tom Branson, has teased that the story may not be over despite the marketing of the film. He’s suggested that a future prequel could delve into the backstory of Violet Crawley, played by the late Dame Maggie Smith.

Violet, the Dowager Countess of Grantham, was a matriarchal figure in the franchise but was killed off in the second film, released three years ago. Cast member Maggie then herself died, aged 89, just last year.

Allen, 44, said on Virgin Radio this week that Violet’s history could be explored in a prequel project. He shared that it could be in the pipeline moving forward, following rumours last year of a spin-off about Violet’s younger years.

Speaking on the Ryan Tubridy Show, he said: “I was chatting to the director, yesterday, Simon [Curtis], over lunch and he was saying there is a great poignancy about this movie, not just for Downton fans but for anyone. It’s about letting go and it’s about moving on.”

Asked about the potential for more stories, he said: “From what I hear, the plan is if they’re ever gonna do anything with it, they’re either gonna go back in time and [do a] prequel [about Violet] in her younger years, which would be very interesting.”

Allen added that a project set in the 1970s at the property could be on the cards instead. He said: “Or they’re gonna go seventies [and] all the debauched madness that happened in the house then. I think it’d be kind of interesting.”

The upcoming film has previously been described as a “last tributing” to Maggie. Speaking on the radio station last year, her on-screen son Hugh Bonneville, 61, said about the latest film: “It’s very much set in the house and saying goodbye to all these characters and we obviously say goodbye to Dame Maggie, which was very poignant on screen and now in real life. She’ll be sorely missed. But the final film will obviously be a great lasting tribute to her.”

Maggie had been among the cast when Downton Abbey first aired in the UK in 2010. It later proved popular in the US and its six seasons have been followed by the film continuations. As well as receiving critical acclaim, the show is said to have boosted tourism to villages like Bampton in Oxfordshire and Highclere Castle in Hampshire.

Speaking ahead of the third film’s release, creator Julian Fellowes, 76, told the Writing Studio: “It feels quite complete. I’m not saying we’ll never see Downton Abbey in any other form – one should never say never, but I think it feels natural and right that we have made the journey with the original concept and the original cast, so I’m rather pleased about that.”

He has however suggested that several characters could be worthy of spin-offs. Discussing the prospect of one centred on Thomas Barrow, played by Rob James-Collier, Julian told RadioTimes: “I think you could make a case for many of them.”

Fans eager for more Downton Abbey don’t have long to wait as ITV will also be releasing a special about the franchise on the day of the film’s release. It’s teased that the doors to the iconic property will be “opening one last time” for Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale as the cast reunite to share memories and secrets from the last 15 years.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is released on Friday in the UK. Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale will be available on ITVX then too and the special will later air on ITV3 on Saturday at 9pm.

In this Wednesday’s Mirror Daily Digest, we’ve pulled together the biggest stories of the day from Poland’s shooting down of Russian drones to King Charles paving the way for a reunion with Harry

Welcome to the Mirror’s Daily Digest, where we pull together all the best stories of the day from our News, Showbiz, Sport teams and more. This Wednesday, we’re featuring everything from Poland’s shooting down of Russian drones to the latest on Prince Harry’s reunion with King Charles and one dad’s plea to the government.

This morning, many would have awoken to growing WW3 fears after Poland shot down Russian drones after ‘violating its airspace’ during an attack on Ukraine. Elsewhere, King Charles has been spotted back in London, paving the way for a reunion with Prince Harry and a dad has made urged the government to consider a new ban after he live blogged his own suicide.

Poland-Russia: Millions warned to take shelter after Putin’s ‘act of war’

WW3 fears grew this morning after it emerged that Poland had shot down a Russian drone after the country’s forces “repeatedly violated” its airspace during an overnight attack on Ukraine. The NATO nation used its air defence system to blast the drones out of the sky amid what it described as an “act of aggression that posed a real threat to the safety of our citizens”.

People living in the Podlaskie, Mazowieckie and Lubelskie regions of Poland, home to approximately 8.7 million people, were told to take shelter early this morning. Russia claimed its strikes had hit “designated targets” in Ukraine and insisted its drones would not have been capable of reaching Poland.

Tensions are also rising in the Middle East after Donald Trump condemned Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar’s capital of Doha, which killed at least five members of the militant group yesterday. A spokesperson for the Israeli military said that the county’s defences were “operating to intercept” the retaliatory strike which was launched from Yemen.

Read the full story here.

King Charles spotted in London paving way for Prince Harry reunion

As Prince Harry continues his four-day UK visit, our Royal team broke the news that King Charles has been seen arriving at Clarence House in London – potentially paving the way for a reunion with his estranged son. The monarch was seen leaving the RAF Northolt in West London at around 3pm today after travelling back to the capital from Balmoral, where he has been spending the summer.

After driving from the private airbase with a police escort, the King set off for Clarence House, arriving at the royal residence at 3:46pm. Harry visited Imperial College London today where he dropped in on the Centre for Blast Injury Studies, which he opened 12 years ago before heading out for another visit this evening – meaning there is a potential window of opportunity to meet.

The Duke of Sussex is expected to attend an event, linked to the Invictus Games, elsewhere in London this evening, giving the father and son a small window of opportunity to meet. He is in the UK this week having attended the WellChild Awards in London on Monday night, before making a trip to Nottingham for a day of engagements on Tuesday.

Read the full story here.

‘My son live blogged his suicide then I bought the poison he used – it needs to be banned’

The knock on the door came at 5.30am, and it changed David Parfett’s life for ever. “I looked out and there was a police car outside,” he recalls. “At that moment, I knew.”

What David knew was that his son, Tom – who loved sing-alongs in the car and his family – had taken his own life at the age of 22. David had been worried about Tom, who was autistic, lived with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder and had been sectioned for talking about suicide.

But the day before he died, in October 2021, Tom had told his dad he was planning to seek help. “I believed him,” David says. But instead, Tom checked himself into a Premier Inn in Surrey and ingested a lethal poison he had bought from a pro-suicide website.

Read the full story here.

Strictly’s future called into question after two decades of scandals on show

Strictly Come Dancing has faced its fair share of scandals since it first aired on BBC back in 2004. Looking back at the hit show’s controversies, our Showbiz team have been trying to discern whether the show can continue amongst the drama.

Between the dreaded ‘Strictly curse’, horror injuries, sexism scandals, bullying rows, misconduct, stars being axed or suspended for their behaviour, and decisions to include some rather unpopular contestants, the iconic dance competition has been sending tongues wagging for over two decades now.

Despite rehearsals being in full swing ahead the new series this month, a dark cloud has already settled over Strictly’s star-spangled launch.The latest debate surrounding the show involves far-right Apprentice star Thomas Skinner who furiously stormed out of a scheduled roundtable interview on Tuesday before snatching a reporter’s phone.

Read the full story here.

M25 ‘road rage brawl’ as woman drags motorist from car by hair

A woman was seen dragging another motorist out of their car by their hair, as six people were captured on camera having a “road rage brawl” on a motorway. The group of people – two men and four women – can be seen throwing punches at one another before a woman drags another woman out of a car by her hair.

According to a witness the fight involved occupants of a white Audi A3 and a larger black car on the M25. The scrap took place on Sunday evening on the southbound lanes of the motorway, in Surrey and near the J12 Thorpe interchange with the M3.

Surrey Police confirmed that four people were arrested on suspicion of affray and assault – three have since been released under investigation and one has been released with no further action. An eyewitness who drove past at the time said: “It looked like a road rage brawl.

Read the full story here.

READ MORE: IBS sufferers heap praise on daily capsules which only cost £1.20 per day