And Moore saw enough of Sharp as a young teenager to know he would have a big future in the game, and knows it will be tough to stop him when the Latics visit Glanford Park at the weekend.
He said: "We had him when I was at Rotherham and there was no doubt then, even at that age, that he was going to be a very good player.
"We were upset at the time because Sheffield United came in and paid good money for him when he was about 14.
"You'd rather see good kids end up in your own first team after bringing them on rather than someone else's, but he was always going to score goals wherever he went.
"I'm surprised he wasn't given more of a chance at Sheffield United, but they've gone for experience now and Scunthorpe have got a bargain - if I'd had £100,000 I would have brought him here."
United are forced into one change for the match - with midfielder Matty Sparrow serving a one-game ban after collecting five bookings.
Iron manager Brian Laws could recall Richie Ryan back into the side as a straight replacement, or bring back centre-back Andy Butler - with Richard Hinds moving into midfield from defence.
Laws said: "I have a few options - I've already made my decision, but will not reveal it until Saturday."