MANCHESTER: Young Manchester United midfielder Ryan Tunnicliffe has been charged by Greater Manchester Police with drink-driving.

The 19-year-old collided with a van on Saturday afternoon in Green Lane, Heywood, forcing it to crash against the wall of a nearby house. Although the player emerged unhurt, the driver of the van suffered minor whiplash injuries.

Tunnicliffe (pic) was later arrested and charged with driving with excess alcohol. He will appear at Bury Magistrates Court on Oct 25.

After making his debut for United in their League Cup victory at home to Newcastle, Tunnicliffe made more positive headlines, with his father winning around €12,400 after he placed a 100-1 bet that his son, then aged nine, would play for the Red Devils.

Tunnicliffe has appeared for England at both Under-16 and Under-17 level and last season made 28 appearances in all competitions in a loan spell at Peterborough United.

- mD