Manchester United feel they've unearthed the next Wayne Rooney - and the lad's a Manchester City fan!

Charlie Jackson is being tipped as a future Man United star after the club's scouts spotted his amazing talent - at the age of THREE.

Proud dad Andy, 38, told The Sun: "He's only just out of nursery, but he's really something else when it comes to football. Folk can't believe how good he is."

Astonished Old Trafford coaches first saw Charlie playing with Footytotz - a community football programme.

But they then had to wait until he was five before he was old enough to start training at their development centre.

Two years later they returned for the youngster - who has a Man City season ticket with his dad and watches every home match.

Accountant Andy said: "His idols are Joe Hart and Mario Balotelli and at first he was mortified at training with United. He didn't want to go.

"Eventually I had to tell him, 'Look, we'll let United train you up. Then when you're really good, you can go to City'.

"Now he trains with United every Wednesday. He started school in September, but when he plays football it's like the ball is stuck to his foot.

"He loves training with the club now. Everywhere we go people just stand and watch. They can't believe he's only five.

"But we haven't set Charlie any long-term goals. The moment he stops enjoying football is the moment we look at doing something else with him."