This is a massive job.
Nicky Butt is set to be named the new head of Manchester United’s academy, according to The Guardian.
The position has been vacant since Brian McClair left the role for a similar role with the Scottish football association last year, and Butt’s appointment comes after a review of United’s youth system.
Butt was a member of the famous ‘Class of 92, who came through United’s academy and went on to have stellar first-team careers.
The 41-year-old former midfielder played 387 times for United, before leaving in 2004 to join Newcastle United.
Butt returned to United as a coach in 2012, and is now charged with turning around an academy that, although has produced fantastic players in the past, has fallen behind rivals Manchester City in recent years.
United fans seem (mostly) happy with the appointment:
United spend a year looking for a replacement for Brian McClair as the Head of the Youth Academy, aaaaand…welcome Nicky Butt! #WelcomeButt
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) February 15, 2016
Happy for Butt, but why wasn't he appointed in February 2015 instead of February 2016? Almost like the academy was kind of forgotten about.
— Nooruddean (@BeardedGenius) February 15, 2016
Pleased to hear Nicky Butt will be appointed as Head of the Academy – a good choice! Just got to find a role for Scholes now! @ChappoClaire
— The Red Flag (@Red_Flag_MUFC) February 15, 2016
Happy with Nicky Butt, but if it took them a year to figure out he was good to become the new academy head, im worried about the club.
— TikkiTacos (@MesseLingard) February 15, 2016
https://twitter.com/Rvk2a/status/699361449001558016
