Former Manchester United defender Tom Thorpe says his senior debut was "completely tainted" by manager Louis van Gaal.
Thorpe was one of a number of United academy products given a chance under Van Gaal in his first season, with Tyler Blackett, Paddy McNair and Marnick Vermijl all making their debuts.
These three players have different backgrounds. While they all play in the Championship - Blackett with Reading, McNair with Sunderland and Middlesbrough and Vermijl with Preston North End - only McNair has a consistent presence in English football.
Blackett spent time at Celtic and MLS FC Cincinatti before joining Rotherham in January. Vermijl, meanwhile, joined Dutch MVV after leaving PNE, and currently plays for Belgian third division side Thes.
But Thorpe, who came on as a late substitute against West Ham, gave up football altogether in 2018 after two years at Rotherham and a year in the now-defunct Indian League side. ATK. .
The 30-year-old, who has represented England at all youth levels, is now back at Macclesfield, who will play in the NPL Premier Division next season.
And in an interview with the Manchester Evening News, he opened up about his time at United.
Thorpe on Van Gaal, Manchester United
The 29-year-old was named in the starting XI against West Ham, with Blackett, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Jonny Evans all absent. However, the more inexperienced McNair was picked before him, with Thorpe saying "it's hard to see why I wasn't selected as the most experienced player".
He made his debut as a late substitute against the Hammers but has revealed a "absolutely bad" moment of the day.
Thorpe explains:
"It was amazing [when I made my debut]. Then, going to the dressing room, one of the older players approached me and was surprised. He assumed I had already debuted. "Then Van Gaal came up to me. He patted me on the cheek and said, 'No problem.' That completely ruined the whole experience.
"Looks like I haven't worked hard all these years to get this opportunity. It feels like he's done me a favor - a gift. It was just the most sublime sentiment at the time."
He continued:
"I think from then on my decision was made. I wanted to leave.
“Honestly, I don't think I could have done more to put myself in a competitive position, or at least to have more chances.
"It's extremely condescending and unjustified. I think I don't really want to put up with that. That's not me."
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