Nicky Butt, a former Manchester United Treble winner, has surprised many by joining the coaching staff of a Championship club, assisting their academy players.
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Butt, aged 50, accepted an invitation from Burnley`s academy director Chris Casper. Casper previously held a similar position at Salford before reuniting with Scott Parker`s team at Turf Moor in November.
During his 12 years at Old Trafford, the retired midfielder clinched six Premier League titles and the Champions League in 1999.
Recently, Butt voiced criticism of Sir Jim Ratcliffe`s long-term strategy for success at Manchester United.
Ratcliffe and Ineos, along with the club, have announced ambitious plans, dubbed `Project 150`, to restore Manchester United to the top of English and European football by the club`s 150th anniversary, aiming to win the Premier League by 2028 and compete for their fourth European Cup.
However, Butt expressed skepticism about these ambitions, suggesting that becoming a top European team within three years is unrealistic.
Speaking at The Champions for Children Gala Dinner, Butt stated, “To be honest, and I prefer to be straightforward, that`s not going to happen.”
“There`s a significant journey ahead. My concern is that while everyone talks about reaching their goals, they seem to expect other clubs to remain static, but those clubs are also progressing.”
“The priority is to start positively and put this current disastrous season behind us.”
“Hopefully, plans for the stadium will be implemented, new players will be recruited, and Ruben Amorim will be given the resources to build a competitive team.”
