Manchester United have snapped up five-year-old football prospect Charlie Jackson after spotting the youngster at three years old.

The Premier League champions waited until Jackson was old enough to join their development centre.

Despite parents Andy and Claire being thrilled for their son, they admitted that it was a difficult transition for the youngster as he supports United's bitter rivals Manchester City.

"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," said Andy. "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 was spotted by Old Trafford scouts while playing in a soccer scheme in Manchester called Footytotz.