Manchester United's Ryan Tunnicliffe Earns Father £10,000 by Making Debut

When Manchester United beat Newcastle 2-1 in a third-round Carling Cup match at Old Trafford on Wednesday, the Red Devils weren't the only winners.

Ryan Tunnicliffe, a 19-year-old midfielder, made his first appearance for United, coming on as a 76th-minute substitute for Marnick Vermijl. Tunnicliffe is a former academy player who spent the 2011-12 season on loan with Peterborough United, and when he entered the match, his father couldn't hold back a proud smile.

After all, dad had just made a pretty penny—10 grand, to be exact—because of his son's success. Literally.

From The Guardian:

"

Ryan Tunnicliffe's debut for Manchester United as a 77th-minute substitute in the 2-1 Capital One Cup win over Newcastle United won his father, Mick, a bet worth £10,000.

When the fledgling midfielder, now 19, was nine his father had placed the wager that his son would one day play for United, taking the odds of 100-1 with a £100 bet.

This was the same age Tunnicliffe had first been scouted by United and, though he had played league football while on loan at Peterborough United last season, his appearance at Old Trafford against Newcastle was his first for the Reds after progressing through the academy and then signing as a scholar.

"

So let's get this straight. Back in the day, this guy took a £100 punt on his kid's future success. That either makes him the most supportive dad alive, or else the worst parent of all time.

On one hand, he believed so much in his son's potential, he bet on the boy with his own money. On the other hand, he might be a raging gambling addict.

You be the judge, but consider this. No matter what we think, this guy's £10,000 richer and his son is playing for Manchester United.

Now, which bookie will let me bet on Jay Cutler's new son becoming a chain-smoking NFL quarterback?

Follow @MikeCummings37