UNITED SIGN CITY FAN WHO IS FIVE YEARS OF AGE

United snap up five-year-old (who they first spotted when he was THREE)

Published 23:00 15/11/11 By Stephen White

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He would barely reach Wayne ­Rooney’s midriff, but football mad Charlie Jackson has been snapped up by Manchester United, aged five.
Old Trafford scouts spotted his incredible soccer skills when he was just three but had to wait until he was old enough to join their development centre.
Charlie now trains with top-rated youngsters almost all a year older than him. And coaches are tipping him as a future superstar.
Parents Andy and Claire, both 38, said they could not be happier he has joined the Reds, even though the family are all fans of bitter rivals Manchester City.

Accountant Andy said: “His idols are Joe Hart and Mario Balotelli and at first he was mortified that he was having to train with United, but he seems to be getting over that bit now. He loves it.
“It’s an amazing opportunity. Everywhere we go people notice him because of his ­football talent. People just stand and watch him. They can’t believe he’s only five because he’s so good.”
Charlie, who lives with his parents and older brother Jake, 12, in Denton, Greater Manchester, was spotted by United while playing at a local soccer scheme called Footytotz.
Andy said he has no long-term goals for his son. He added: “There’s no pressure, but it would be nice if he plays for City one day.”