A former housemate of Scott McTominay has opened up on his “really difficult” departure from Manchester United following an 11-year spell in the academy set-up.
Callum Whelan, who joined United at the age of eight following a spell in Barnsley’s academy, progressed through the youth ranks and was even shortlisted for the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year award.
After impressing throughout the 2017/18 campaign, Whelan was offered a new contract at Old Trafford, following in the footsteps of then-teammate Scott McTominay, who penned a deal in 2017.
At this point, McTominay was seen as a role model for those in the youth set-up after breaking into Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad.
And speaking in a 2018 interview with Manchester United’s official website, Whelan opened up on his friendship with McTominay.
“I’ve lived with Scott for four or five years, so he gets me eating right and working hard,” he said. “He’s just great because he’s been here since he was eight and, looking where he is now, it’s where you want to be. He’s helped me out a lot.”
Whelan added: “It’s a tough pathway [to the first team] but, if you work hard enough, like Scott has, it’s there. You’ll get your rewards and be there like Scott.
“He tells me to work hard every day, eat well, rest, recover. If you give it your best, then who knows what happens?”
Unfortunately for Whelan, he was released by United in 2019 following a failed loan spell at Port Vale.
The 25-year-old midfielder, who now plays for National League side Gateshead following spells at Watford, Oldham Athletic and Solihull Moors, recently spoke about his Old Trafford departure.
“At the time it was really difficult,” Whelan told the Manchester Evening News. “You’re not sure what’s next. I spent 14 years there so obviously on the day, you drive home, it’s like, ‘wow, it’s done’. It was really, really difficult to know what’s next and to even think about what’s next.
“But now I’m a bit older, I look back and think it’s the best thing because you’ve had that United upbringing. But then it’s time to to move on and and make a career.
“I look at it differently now, but at the time it is a tough transition. It’s for the best lads go out and get games, move on and progress a career.”
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He added: “It was just a real pleasure. 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.”