Nicky Butt has stepped down as Manchester United’s head of first-team development to pursue “a new professional challenge”.
Butt has spent nine years in coaching and player development positions at the club’s academy, playing a key role in overseeing the progress of Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood into the first team.
“Having come through the academy myself to play almost 400 games for Manchester United, it has been an absolute privilege to come back and work with a new generation of talent making that same journey,” the former midfielder told the club’s website.
“I’m proud of the role everyone on the staff plays in giving our young footballers the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential, and the results are clear to see in the increased number of homegrown players reaching the first team.
“I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United, but it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge and I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.”
The manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, said Butt had been “a great source of guidance and inspiration to our academy players” and would “always be welcome back”.
This month United revamped their backroom setup, with John Murtough appointed to a new role of football director and the former midfielder Darren Fletcher promoted to technical director.