George Ormond, 62, coached a grassroots football club in the 1970s and 1980s before going on to work for United's youth system in the 1990s.
Newcastle Crown Court heard he used his "position of power" to abuse 18 boys and young men between 1973 and 1998.
He was convicted of 35 charges of indecent assault and one of indecency.
Ormond, who the court was told has been living at temporary addresses in Gateshead, was cleared of two further charges following a six-week trial.
The jury was told Ormond "manipulated his position" and held out a "glittering future" to young players, but could block their progress if they stood up to him.
He would indecently touch boys while massaging them or treating them for injuries and insist they not wear anything under their shorts, then check they had followed the rule.
Judge Edward Bindloss described Ormond as "wholly preoccupied with sex" and said he "used his position as a respected football coach to target boys and young men in his care".
He said: "Some victims you do not even remember - what was for you momentary sexual gratification was for your victims a lifetime of difficulty."
Victims' statements described their shame and embarrassment, and in some cases deep regret that they had not spoken out earlier.
One said his ambition had been to become a footballer but "that dream turned into a living nightmare".
Judge Bindloss said: "No-one observing this trial could have failed to have been moved by the complainants and other witnesses over the six weeks of evidence.
"[They were] largely men in their 50s, largely from working class and sporting backgrounds, speaking with calm and quiet dignity about how they failed to understand what was happening to them.
"And because of the times they lived in, and due to their circumstances, they were unable to speak about it."
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