I coached the rising Manchester United star who impressed Wayne Rooney - he stunned me as a kid

Manchester United created 'The Graduate Lounge' at Carrington last season. The space is a designated area for parents and families at the academy and it celebrates players from United's youth programme who have made a first-team debut.

There is a buffet area, which serves free hot food and refreshments, and a terrific mural of academy greats, from Sir Bobby Charlton to Paul Scholes and Marcus Rashford.

The names of every graduate can be found on the wall but a striking image of Ethan Wheatley with the number '250' has been framed behind glass, which draws the eye. The photo is a nod to Wheatley creating history last season and it's a classy touch in a well-thought-out space.

Every player from the academy to make a senior bow at Old Trafford is celebrated, but Wheatley became the 250th player to achieve that when he was substituted onto the pitch in a 4-2 win against Sheffield United on April 24, which represented a significant milestone.

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"It's a great club with a massive history, especially in the academy. It's an honour to make my debut and that number - 250. That's a little bit extra," said Wheatley on the night.

"I was just excited and when I got the call [to come on], there were a bit of nerves, but as soon as I was stripped and ready to go, I was excited and did my best for the team."

To make a debut for United is a phenomenal achievement and players are influenced by parents, coaches, siblings and peers on their respective journeys to that breakthrough.

Paul Strutt was Wheatley's first coach at Dukinfield Youth. He coached the youngster until he joined