75-goal Matthew snapped up by Man U at seven

From the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, first published Friday 16th Mar 2001.

REMEMBER the name because little Matthew Boland is planning on being the next David Beckham!

For the soccer-mad seven-year-old, who plays for Prestwich side Drinkwater Warriors, has caught the eye of scouts for Manchester United after scoring 75 times in 17 games, including 12 hat-tricks.

And the Butterstile CP School pupil knows what it's like to take home top earnings after his grandad agreed to give him a pound for every goal he scored.

Proud mum Julie (31), of Halliwell Walk, Prestwich, said: "It has been a bit of a joke with Matthew's grandad Joe. He said he has had to take out a loan! Matthew scored 11 goals in one game!" Matthew's striking performance on the pitch has prompted interest from a number of clubs, including Blackburn Rovers and the Reds, who have invited him for trials next week, and the youngster currently trains with the Manchester City youth academy after he was spotted by scouts playing for the Warriors.

Although Matthew's dad Christian (27) is manager and coach for the Warriors under-eights, Julie said her son became hooked on football as soon as he could walk.

She said: "Matthew's first word was 'ball' not 'mummy' and he has broken countless ornaments in the house with his football. He is amazing though, his feet are like magnets with that ball!"

Although the Boland family are keeping their options open about Matthew's future, he knows exactly what he wants to do.

Julie said: "He is still very young. But as soon as Matthew knew United had been in touch he said 'Alex Ferguson has found me.' He just wants to play with the big boys. It is his dream."

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