NOT many former Manchester United players get a good reception at Wanderers – but Tom Thorpe aims to be an exception.

Though his first-team career at Old Trafford was brief, the record books showing just a single Premier League appearance as a late substitute for Angel Di Maria, his history with Bolton’s local enemy goes way back.

Long before Louis Van Gaal drafted the Tameside-born defender into his first team, Thorpe had been tipped for big things, captaining both the England and United youth teams.

Thorpe had been in the Reds’ set-up for five years before making the breakthrough against West Ham in September 2014, learning his trade under former Wanderer, now Wigan Athletic boss, Warren Joyce.

His career since then has not followed the course expected. Released in the summer of 2015, a move to struggling Rotherham United in the Championship fell flat and it was only when Thorpe made a loan move to Phil Parkinson’s Bradford City last season that he earned regular football.

The Whites boss recruited his services once again in August, securing a season-long loan, and though his time at the Macron has been interrupted by an ankle injury a first goal against Millwall at the weekend has helped endear him to a new crowd – something he hopes can continue against Coventry City tonight.

“I’ll never shake the tag of being a United player,” he smiled. “I was there for a considerable length of time so it’s something which will always be with my name.

“I’m proud to have played there. But I am a Bolton player now so it’s important I put it behind me and represent this set of fans now and hopefully I can do well for them.

“Getting a first goal was great, even though I didn’t see it go in as I was running the other way. Hopefully it’s the first of many.”

Thorpe points out that he is still contracted to Rotherham, at least for now. A future with the South Yorkshire club looks unlikely, however, particularly with their Championship future hanging in the balance.

Realising his potential with Wanderers could hinge on him avoiding the injury issues which have flecked his early career.

After a couple of impressive performances last month, Thorpe limped off in the victory at Millwall with an ankle injury which was initially thought could keep him out until the New Year. It was even reasoned his loan could be ended altogether.

“Thankfully it healed rather quicker than that,” said Thorpe, who attended the same Denton school his Wanderers team-mate Zach Clough.

“I have had previous injuries to my ankle, and a lot more serious than this one.

“The rehab and everything went well, so I was really pleased with how it moved on and I was able to get back playing again.

“I think I have still got to prove my worth here. It’s a team with some great players and there are a few like me who can slot into different positions. I’d like to pick it back up where I left it before the injury but I’ll have to work hard.”

Among the Old Trafford alumni to have played alongside Thorpe is the world’s most expensive player, Paul Pogba.

The French midfielder was released in 2012, Italian giants Juventus paying a nominal fee for his services, before returning in the summer for an eye-watering £89million.

Thorpe believes Pogba’s transition in Serie A was down to first-team exposure, and the opportunity to play alongside one of Europe’s finest midfielders.

“I grew up with Pogba, from my first game at the club, and became good friends with him. I’m glad he’s doing well,” he told The Bolton News.

“He probably isn’t the same player who left Old Trafford but that was just down the game time he’s been given.

“When he went to Juventus he got game after game where he could learn and improve his style of play. And then featuring alongside someone like Andrea Pirlo is only going to make you a better footballer. He’s a legend.

“Paul was always a class above growing up and he was one of those where if you needed a goal, he’d find one from 40 yards out in the top corner.

“It was great to play with him.”

Thorpe is likely to start against Coventry tonight after Liam Trotter picked up his fifth booking of the campaign