I couldn't look at Jose Mourinho when I came through at Manchester United - we feared him

Sir Alex Ferguson, David Moyes, Louis Van-Gaal, Jose Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The list of big-name managers that Callum Whelan learned from during his time at Manchester United.

The former Red Devils midfielder, who now plays for Gateshead FC in the National League, spent 14 years at Old Trafford after joining the club as an eight-year-old. Whelan was one of three players shortlisted for the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award in 2017, which was won by Angel Gomes.

Whelan came through the Red Devils academy set-up alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford, Dean Henderson, Scott McTominay, Gomes, Axel Tuanzebe and Jimmy Dunne, and while he may not have been able to break into the first-team set-up after being released in 2019, he looks back on his time at the club with great pride.

READ MORE: Why Erik ten Hag has to change on matchdays and in press conferences for United

READ MORE: United have been told what they want to hear about Eberechi Eze amid interest

"It was just a real pleasure," Whelan said as he reflects back on his time at United. "It's just one of those where you wish you could go back and do it again. It was that good.

"The upbringing they give you on and off the pitch - I always say off the pitch as well, because alongside your family, they build you up, your personality, respect and how to conduct yourself. I just wish I could go and do it again because it's that special place."

Whelan came through the youth ranks as Sir Alex approached the latter stages of his United tenure and while he may not have been full-time under the iconic Red Devils boss, he was one of very few to have experienced the culture that ran through the club during Ferguson's tenure.

"Obviously I was never full