Butt Back At United

Nicky Butt is coaching Manchester United's reserves as he eyes a potential step into management.

The former midfield favourite, who came through the ranks to make nearly 400 appearances for the Reds, is assisting Warren Joyce as the youthful squad competes in the Barclays Under-21 Premier League, Lancashire Senior Cup and Manchester Senior Cup.

"Nicky is with the reserves," confirmed Sir Alex Ferguson. "He's completed his badges and is just getting a bit of experience with us so there's every chance of that [him going into management].

"He's had a few opportunities to take on jobs but wanted just a wee bit of a chance to revisit the training ground again to get himself back into sync, which we're happy to do because he was a fantastic servant to us.

"I don't know what his long-term future is but, in the meantime, he's helping out with the reserves."

Reds defender Tom Thorpe told MUTV that it is a bonus for the younger players to work with a former star of Butt's calibre.

"It's brilliant," Thorpe enthused. "Especially when a player with a lot of experience comes back and has done it from an early age. He was at the club for quite a while and has gone through to the first team. It's great for him to pass on his experience and different ways of playing with different styles."