Butt Set To Be 'Central Figure' In Manchester United's Academy Restructure

Nicky Butt will be central to Manchester United's plans to restructure their dwindling academy, according to Sky sources.

The former United and England midfielder is currently U21s assistant manager and U19s head coach, but the club have begun revamping the system this week and long-term U18s boss Paul McGuinness left the club on Friday.

It is understood talks are underway with a number of football figures regarding positions within the new structure, and executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward told investors this week that there would be imminent announcements.

United have been without an academy head since Brian McClair left last year to join the Scottish FA, and recent newspaper reports have claimed Tottenham's successful academy chief John McDermott recently turned down the role.

And it is understood that Butt, one of United's famous 'Class of 92' academy graduates who played for the club for 12 years, is in line for a role of this kind.

Upon the exit of McGuinness, who had been U18s boss for 11 years and part of the club's coaching roster for 28 years, Woodward said: "We took the departure of Brian McClair last summer as an opportunity to do a root-and-branch review of the academy.

"That is now complete and changes are underway and announcements will be made in the coming days.

"In terms of the future, our key competitive advantages are still very strong; our unmatched track record of player development compared to any other team in England, and the runway we deliver of first-team opportunities to those players, again very different to some of our competitors."

Credit: Skysports.com