Butt: Our fans are the best in the world

Manchester United's Head of Academy Nicky Butt belives the club's fans are the best in the business after they turned out in great numbers to support the Treble Reunion game.

A crowd of 61,175 helped raise over £1.5million for Manchester United Foundation on Sunday, as Sir Alex Ferguson's Reds ran out 5-0 victors against Bayern Munich's Legends at Old Trafford.

Butt was voted Man of the Match after a splendid all-action performance in midfield as he performed well throughout the 90 minutes and showed he is still in top shape.

The Gorton-born star scored the third goal with a clever finish from a Louis Saha cross and also sent a spectacular overhead kick wide late on.

“It was enjoyable,” Butt told MUTV. “Obviously, very difficult fitness-wise but I enjoyed it. It was good fun, all for a good cause - the Manchester United Foundation. It's something we're really happy about.

“These fans are amazing and turn out for these Foundation games and testimonial matches - they are the best in the world.”

The local lad is passionate about the work that the Foundation does in his home city.

“It's massive as a Manchester boy, a Man United fan, I've played for the club, and to see the money going to local charities is amazing because I think, sometimes, you can get lost with all of the charities around the world which are very important but it's also very important to help the people close to you.

“A great cause, a great turn-out and amazing fans. It's enjoyable to see the lads again - some you don't see for years and years. I can't believe it's been 20 years since we all last played together. We'll have a few beers now and a good chat and catch up.”

Butt can certainly be pleased with his individual performance in the five-goal victory against Bayern, something he will, no doubt, be mentioning to the youngsters at the club over the course of pre-season training.

“I think you do treasure these moments,” he admitted. “Obviously, we're all long past it, as you could see, but it's a club that's close to all of our hearts - whether we're still here or working on other things.

“We're part of the history of this club and I think, when you come back to the club and people embrace you like they do, I think it's an important part of it. For the Foundation, it's something we'll always support and we'll turn out whenever we can.”