Manchester United have finally moved to fill the void left in their academy system by appointing Nicky Butt as their head of youth policy.
United had been without an academy chief since the departure of Brian McClair in June 2015, during which time they had been widely perceived to have fallen behind Manchester City in youth development.
Butt with fellow Class of 92 members Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs
City's newly-opened Etihad Campus is one of the most impressive facilities for young footballers in the English game and represented a threat to United, who have traditionally been one of the strongest clubs for bringing through young players.
United's under-18s coach Paul McGuinness resigned last week after 11 years at the club, who had been undertaking a review of their youth system since McClair's departure.
They have now moved to appoint Butt, 41, a member of the 'Class of 92' - the gifted group of young players that also featured David Beckham, Paul Scholes and Gary and Phil Neville.
Butt went on to play 387 games for United between 1992 and 2004, during which time he won six Premier League titles and won 39 England caps. He has also had stints at the club as reserve team coach and under-19s coach.
Nicky Butt was a hugely successful player for United
He was appointed assistant to caretaker manager Ryan Giggs for the final four games of the 2013-14 season following the departure of David Moyes.
Butt said: "As someone who learned his trade in the United youth set-up, it's a huge honour to be given the chance to lead the academy and instil its values and attitudes to create future generations of Manchester United players."
Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward said: "Nicky has the club's heritage and traditions in his blood. He is the natural choice."
"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."
Reaction
Best thing about Nicky Butt's appointment is he is a Mancunian. #MUFC
— Stuart Mathieson (@StuMathiesonMEN) February 16, 2016
Can't wait till one of the Academy kids acts up and has to go and see Nicky Butt...
— Paul Legerton (@redmanc76) February 16, 2016
Nicky Butt is one of the most underrated players of the last 20 years. Tough as nails, that lad.
— Dan (@mufc_dan87) February 16, 2016
Nicky Butt has one hell of a job in front of him with the academy. Needs all the help he can muster. Best of luck to him #mufc
— Fiiiive Cantonaas (@watpoae) February 16, 2016
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