Tony Whelan believes Ravel Morrison is among the most talented players he has worked with in Manchester United’s academy, drawing comparisons to Marcus Rashford.
It was announced in January 2025 that Tony Whelan would depart Manchester United following 34 years of service.
Initially, Whelan came through the youth ranks at United under Sir Matt Busby, but he never made an appearance for the first team.
Whelan returned to become a United Academy coach in 1990 and went on to become the Academy Head of Coaching as well as Academy Programme Advisor. He worked with many talented players, including the 97 academy graduates who made their first team debuts during his time at the club.
Where do you think JJ Gabriel will be by the time he is 18?🔮
He's been playing against 18-year-olds all season, but how good will he be in three years?
JJ Gabriel celebrates, in Man Utd red kit
Photo by Anthony Devlin/Manchester United via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford in a Barcelona jacket before a Champions League tie against Newcastle
Photo by Ryan Crockett/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images
Tony Whelan names most talented trio after 34 years at Man Utd
As someone who transcended many areas at United – working with Sir Matt Busby and Sir Alex Ferguson – Whelan’s influence was huge.
Although he never featured in United’s first team as a player, Whelan became part of the furniture at The Cliff before Carrington.
Appearing on the first episode of United By Association, Whelan spoke about the three most talented players he worked with in the academy.
More United News
They include Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood and Ravel Morrison.
Whelan said: “Marcus, Mason and Ravel, and they were challenging, Marcus less so, but Mason and Ravel, they loved the game, they were two young people who were highly emotional, but I don’t think they appreciated it if you overcoached, they were so busy just playing and doing.
“I’m sure if you spoke to any of their other coaches they’d say the same thing. They were outstanding. Ravel has really underachieved hasn’t he? In terms of ability, for various reasons, Ravel has underachieved, but the other two, look where they are now.
“With Ravel it was difficult but everybody worked hard with Ravel. I think there’s a lot of people at the club who remain you know unnamed who did a lot of help behind the scenes for him trying to support him in different ways.
“I think they can be proud of the fact that if it didn’t go the right way for him it wasn’t for the want of people trying, that’s first-team players and senior staff at the club who tried their best with him to get on the right path.
“But those were the three most talented players I worked with.”
Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, while Greenwood is playing for Marseille in Ligue 1.
Morrison has spent his professional career as a journeyman and currently plays for Arabian Falcons in the UAE Second Division League.
What is Marcus Rashford truly worth in 2026 after his Barcelona loan?
Barcelona have a £26m buy option for Marcus Rashford, but what is he actually worth in today's market?
Marcus Rashford's transfer value in 2026
Credit: Getty Images
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood stats this season
Rashford looks set to remain at Barcelona beyond this season, after proving his worth under Hansi Flick this season.
After 38 appearances, Rashford has scored 10 goals and registered 13 assists.
Greenwood is having a more prolific season in France with 25 goals and eight assists in 37 games.
Rashford will be aiming to end the season by winning the La Liga title as well as the Champions League.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox