Nicky Butt leaves Manchester United after nine years in pursuit of ‘new professional challenge’

The former United midfielder has played a key role at the club’s academy and most recently served as head of first-team development

(Getty)

Nicky Butt is to step down at Manchester United as head of first-team development to pursue “a new professional challenge”.

Butt, who has coached at the club for nine years in various roles around the academy, has worked closely with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood.

And after playing a key role in maintaining a pathway for youngsters into the first team at Old Trafford, the 46-year-old has explained his decision to leave.

“Having come through the Academy myself to play almost 400 games for Manchester United, it has been an absolute privilege to come back and work with a new generation of talent making that same journey,” Butt said in a statement.

“I’m proud of the role everyone on the staff plays in giving our young footballers the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential, and the results are clear to see in the increased number of homegrown players reaching the first team.

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“I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United, but it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge and I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.”

While Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hailed the work done by Butt, describing him as a “legend”.

“Nicky will always be a legend of Manchester United as a six-time Premier League winner and, of course, an integral part of our Treble-winning team,” said the first team manager.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has worked closely alongside Nicky Butt (Getty)

“That pedigree has made him a great source of guidance and inspiration to our Academy players since he returned to the club.

“We are all going to miss him around the Aon Training Complex but Nicky knows he will always be welcome back.”