Ex-midfielder takes over as head of football giants’ academy

FORMER Red Devils and England midfielder Nicky Butt has been appointed as Manchester United’s new head of Academy.

The 41-year-old is a graduate of the Academy’s famous Class of 92 and made 387 competitive appearances for the club between 1992 and 2004, during which time he won six Premier league titles, three FA Cups a UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup winners’ medal.

He currently holds his UEFA Pro coaching licence.

Executive Vice Chairman Ed Woodward said: “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.”

Butt said: “It’s a privilege to take on this role.  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.”