Teenage soccer starlet Michael Barnes is set to enjoy a Devil of a Christmas this year.

The 17-year-old from Chorley has just signed for the mighty Manchester United.

Nippy winger Michael has joined the Red Devils' academy set up after being spotted by a United scout playing for Lancaster City youth team in the Youth FA Cup.

His meteoric rise to Old Trafford began with him playing for his school team Southlands High, then at local grass roots level with the likes of Standish, Eccleston, Bamber Bridge, through to Chorley FC under 18s, onto Cardinal Newman College and then Lancaster City where he has turned out for the youth, reserve and first teams this year.

Now he is training with United's academy lads at the club's Carrington training centre in Manchester.

His proud dad Michael said: "It's a thrilling experience. It's very unusual to take somebody on at 17." He added that he mingles among the Reds' stars at Carrington and said Sir Alex Ferguson had commented on his play after a game.

Michael, who plays for Cardinal Newman's Centre of Excellence is studying A levels in sports, psychology and a BTec national in sport at the college.

Michael also plays for the Lancashire under 19 team, and has been selected to play for England Colleges in Italy in February.