Nicky Butt has left Manchester United after eight years at Old Trafford. His departure is due to disagreements with the new head of football development, John Murtough.
Nicky Butt was the head of United’s first-team development and Ole Solskjaer’s assistant since July 2019. Butt made himself a vital part of the Red Devils backroom staff after returning to Old Trafford in October 2012. During his time at United, Nicky Butt has worked with five different managers.
Under Butt, the Manchester United academy saw players like Timothy Fosu-Mensah, Tahith Chong, Brandon Williams, and Scott McTominay. The players, as mentioned earlier, received their first-team call-ups because of the seal of approval they got from the United legend.
Nicky Butt the Head of first-team development of Manchester United (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
In an interview on March 25th, 2021, he said, “I am immensely proud of the position I held at Old Trafford. Our team gave opportunities for many youngsters based on the potential, and they impressed thus far.”
“The academy was where I learned the trade of the game. Hence, I know the institution’s importance to the development of young players,” said Nicky Butt.
Butt: a living Manchester United legend
Nicky Butt found himself drafted into the Red Devils’ first team after graduating from the academy. Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, gave Butt his debut on November 21st, 1992.
Nicky Butt made himself a key player for ‘Fergies Fletchlings’ in the eleven years that he played for the Red Devils. Though primarily deployed as a holding midfielder, Butt made a name for himself by scoring crucial goals for Fergie’s side. The former Manchester United midfielder recorded twenty-one goals in two hundred and twenty-one appearances in the Premier League.
In his time at Manchester United, Nicky Butt made many friends and created partnerships with these teammates on the field. Roy Keane was one of these friends. The Manchester United legends made their team a formidable side with their unwavering midfield chemistry.
Wayne Rooney was a player Butt regarded despite playing as ‘Wazza’s’ opponent on many occasions. He first encountered Rooney when the Liverpool native donned the Everton jersey. Then, later on when he wore the red jersey of United (after Butt’s departure).
Now, following his exit, Wayne and Nicky could reunite as partners at Derby County.
Nicky Butt can take up the assistant role to Wayne Rooney at Pride Park Stadium
Interim Manager Ryan Giggs, First Team Coach Nicky Butt, and Wayne Rooney of Manchester United (Photo by John Peters/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Butt has a lot of experience from his years at Old Trafford. Roo’s team is currently at the nineteenth position on the Championship points table. Rooney kept the Rams out of relegation, but it may not be enough for next season.
Though Nicky Butt does not have any managerial experience of his own, his years observing Sir Alex Ferguson can educate Wayne Rooney.
Therefore, the two United legends can help Derby gain promotion to the Premier League next season if Butt joins the Rams.
