Nicky Butt leaves Manchester United coaching staff

Manchester United’s head of first team development Nicky Butt is leaving the club to take up a position elsewhere.

Butt has been in the role for almost a decade, and leaves after nine years. Butt played for Manchester United with the Class of ‘92 generation, winning the treble and a host of other trophies, and then left for Newcastle United before playing for Birmingham City and finally South China.

A statement on the United website read:

Nicky Butt is to step down as head of first-team development at Manchester United after nine years in coaching and player development roles at the heart of our renowned Academy.

He leaves the club with the warmest best wishes of everyone at Manchester United and our thanks for his important contribution to nurturing a succession of homegrown players who have made it to the first team during his time at the Aon Training Complex. He has also played a key role in bringing in a new generation of talented staff and leaders to take the Academy forwards.

Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood are among those that Nicky has worked closely with during a period when our Academy has renewed its reputation as one of the most productive in world football.

“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,” said Nicky.

“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.

“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.”

Butt has been linked with vacancies at Celtic, and also to join Wayne Rooney’s coaching team at Derby County.