Butt on his promotion: United is in my DNA

Manchester United have today confirmed that Nicky Butt has been promoted from his current role as Head of Academy to Head of First Team Development. In this position he will report directly to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer where he will work closely with the manager and first team coaching staff, with aim of promoting more youngsters in to the first team squad.

Butt spoke to the club’s official site about his feelings on getting the promotion, three years after taking on his position with the academy.

Manchester United is in my DNA and this is a very proud moment for me as I take on this new role. I am passionate about nurturing, developing and coaching the talent we have here to become top players at this club. Under Ole’s leadership, our vision will ensure that we continue to provide the right environment for our young players to thrive in.

Butt joined United’s academy when he was 11-years-old, went on to play close to 400 games for the first team winning six league titles, one Champions League and three FA Cups, before returning to the club seven years ago to coach Reserves. Four years later he became Head of Academy and briefly took on a role with the U-23s when Warren Joyce left the club. He also stepped up to help Ryan Giggs when the Welshman became the interim manager.