Macari: Butt Is Perfect For Academy Job

Lou Macari believes fellow Manchester United legend Nicky Butt will be a success in his new role as Head of Academy.

Former midfielder Butt was appointed this week and will now oversee the development of the Reds' youth set-up, having previously worked as a coach and Under-19 boss since returning to the club.

Butt is a graduate of the Academy’s famous Class of '92, and went on to make 387 competitive appearances for the club between 1992 and 2004, something which Macari thinks will stand him in good stead.

"Nicky Butt has been at the club under the management of Sir Alex Ferguson and will know how he got the success he did," Macari told MUTV. "He’ll be able to pass on all of that valuable information to the younger players. Someone like Nicky will be able to help them so that, when they get into the first team, they can stay there.

"During Nicky’s time, the youngsters made sure that the manager had to pick them every week. I remember seeing Paul Scholes play at Port Vale and people were saying how well the little ginger-haired lad had done on the night, but it wasn’t just that night, he went on to be a regular because Sir Alex couldn’t leave him out of the team. That’s what it’s all about; youngsters need that guidance and I think someone like Nicky Butt will be able to give them that."

Butt enjoyed a trophy-laden 12 years at Old Trafford, winning six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup winners’ medal. Macari insists that the 41-year-old's record speaks for itself, and was delighted to see someone with an in-depth knowledge of the club get the position.

"The experience he’s got is there for everyone to see," Macari said. "When you look at his playing record and the amount of time he was at the football club, I’m sure he’ll pass on his knowledge to the youngsters. Someone like Nicky will be able to tell them where not to go wrong and what being a Manchester United player is all about.

“Nicky’s been a great player for United over the years and this is a new role for him, it will be completely different because he’ll be in charge of the whole Academy set-up. I think that’s something he’ll cope with, but it takes a little bit of time to learn the tricks of the trade. It’s a very different job for him, but it’s good to see someone with a United connection get that job."