'Not been easy' - Man United academy legend makes admission over Rashford

Manchester United academy advisor Tony Whelan has lifted the lid on the role he played in Marcus Rashford's journey as a footballer, after he revealed that he used to have a cup of tea at his house after dropping the forward off after training.

Whelan, who turned 70 last month, began his career at United as a player back in 1968. He has since transitioned into his role as the club's Academy Programme Advisor, helping shape the future generation of Reds that are looking to burst onto the scene.

Rashford is a name that many youngsters at the club will look to as inspiration, as they have seen the 25-year-old's journey from the academy as proof that hard work and commitment pays off. The England international scored his 100th goal for the club in October and was the Three Lions' joint top-scorer in the 2022 World Cup.

Despite being humble, Whelan has slowly realised the vital impact that his work in the academy has had in the likes of Rashford succeeding as a footballer, as he revealed that he had spoken to United forward the day before giving an interview to club media - hearing how grateful the striker is for the 70-year-old's influence on his life.

“I think it is starting to dawn on me just recently,” Whelan said. “I think people are making a fuss of me at the moment and it is very humbling. I have always been so busy being busy to even think about what I have been doing, I've just been doing what really came naturally to me.

“In Marcus's case, we introduced a full-time programme back in 2008 when we had young players coming into accommodation, coaching them full-time and they went to Ashton-on-Mersey school.

“Marcus was in digs but on a Friday we used to meet after school, myself and Dave Bushell, who was then the Head of Education and Wealthware, and who has done a wonderful job, has been a really big ally of mine and we've collaborated together on a lot of things over the years.

“But I used to offer Marcus a lift home because I lived in Heald Green and it was on the way home, so I used to drop him off. Obviously, his mum, she is wonderful his mum. His mum used to say 'make sure you knock on the door' so I would knock on the door and get a cup of tea. He lived in front of a lawn, so we would have our moments. I think it is nice that he remembers that.

“And, of course, when you are doing that, you are not expecting it to be... I am not thinking this kid is going to be a footballer at Man United. You know he has got a good chance because he is very talented. But you are not thinking he is going to become the humanitarian he has become and the impact he has made, alongside what he has achieved at the club.

“He has just scored his 100th goal and, back then, I am not thinking that. I am just trying to help a kid - as part of a team. We are all in it together. I was doing my little bit... Dave was doing the welfare bit, Eamon Mulvey [Head of Player Development and Coach U9-13] was doing his bit. So we are all doing out little bits as part of a team. So any success that we had, we all share and if people like Marcus can look back and smile, that's wonderful.

“Because his [Rashford's] journey has not been easy. That is part of his childhood. If he can think back and say, yeah, during that particular period of time when it was hard, trying to get a job in football, going to school in the morning, getting up at silly hours, coaching at night, playing games, if he can smile and think it was good as well, it was enjoyable at the same time, well that's really heart-warming.”