Nicky Butt announced as Manchester United's new head of academy in youth team shake-up
Butt graduated from the Manchester United youth academy during his playing days and steps up from his position as reserve and under-19s coach
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Manchester United have named former midfielder Nicky Butt as their new head of academy.
The 41-year-old, who had a decorated playing career at Old Trafford over a 12-year period, has earned the position after working as reserve team and under-19s coach for the last four years.
Butt was a product of United's youth system himself and is looking forward to helping create the next generation of stars.
"It's a privilege to take on this role," Butt told the club's official website. "As someone who learned his trade in the United youth set-up, it's a huge honour now to be given the chance to lead the academy and to instil its values and attitudes to continue to create future generations of Manchester United players.
"It's a big challenge but I am fortunate to be taking over a dedicated, first-class team. Our aim remains the same - to keep supplying the first team with well-coached, rounded players that understand the responsibility of playing for the biggest club in the world."
United have restructured their set-up following the exit of director of youth academy Brian McClair last June and Butt's appointment comes after Paul McGuiness left his role as under-18s coach after 24 years in the role last week.
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward added: "I am delighted that Nicky has accepted the role of head of academy. Nicky has the traditions and heritage of this club in his blood and he is the natural choice to ensure that, in modernising the way the academy operates and shaping the new investment we are making, it retains the values and the focus that it has always had.
"Manchester United's academy is completely focused on producing young players for our first team. As a graduate of its finest team in the modern era, Nicky will bring passion, energy and experience to drive the academy forward, retaining the characteristics that give us a competitive advantage - namely an unmatched track record of player development together with the runway of first-team action.
"In the last four years, some 15 academy graduates have played for the first team, playing a total of 173 appearances - a record of which the club is very proud."
Butt made 387 appearances for United, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a Champions League.
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments