Wigan's Bobby-Joe Charlton, 9, signs for Manchester United

Manchester United would do anything to have a Bobby Charlton back in their starting line-up.
Wigan lad Bobby-Joe CharltonWigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton
Wigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton

And that could become a reality in the not-too-distant future...in the shape of Wigan starlet Bobby-Joe Charlton!

The nine-year-old, who goes to Westfield School, has been taken on by United’s ‘Emerging Talent’ department as they look to unearth the stars of the future.

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Bobby-Joe has already successfully come through one six-week trial at the Old Trafford academy, under the watchful eye of some of the best junior coaches in the country.

Wigan lad Bobby-Joe CharltonWigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton
Wigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton

And after being given the green light to stay on, he’s now been awarded his own club training kit and gear – an initiation process to reward him for becoming a United player.

And hailing from a United-supporting family, it’s a dream come true for both the youngster and his proud parents.

“We’re over the moon,” said his father, also named Bobby – but, whisper it quietly, a lone Liverpool supporter in the Charlton clan!

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“My dad was called Alan but, as he was a big United fan, everybody called him Bobby, and it’s all come from there. Bobby-Joe’s been scouted by a few clubs, but we just wanted Manchester United to notice him.

Wigan lad Bobby-Joe CharltonWigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton
Wigan lad Bobby-Joe Charlton

“This is the furthest he’s been at any of the clubs he’s been to, and hopefully this is the one.

“He’s only small and we think that’s been a reason why some of the clubs haven’t decided to keep him on.

“One of the scouts from United couldn’t believe he hadn’t been picked up.

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“He said he was sick of being told about boys that were being turned away for being too small – it’s a load of rubbish!”

Bobby-Joe, who plays for Robin Park FC and Wigan Junior Latics, is two-footed – like his famous namesake – and usually plays on the right-hand side of midfield or on the left wing.

The family would like to thank all of his coaches, and his grandad David Varey, who transports him to games.