Manchester United will continue their search for a technical director – despite making Nicky Butt the club's head of first-team development.
Butt, who was United's academy boss, has been promoted into a position aimed at protecting the pathway from youth team to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's senior squad.
United have had a homegrown player in every first-team squad since 1937.
But executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is still pressing ahead with plans to appoint a technical director to develop and oversee a long-term strategy for the first team.
Woodward has been patient in his search for the right candidate, who will also be part of a 'transfer committee' that will decide on the club's recruitment strategy.
Butt's elevation into a more senior role at the club he played for is part of a revamp of the Old Trafford academy.
He will report directly to manager Solskjaer to give briefings on the readiness of youth players for the senior side.
Butt said: “ Manchester United is in my DNA and this is a very proud moment for me as I take on this new role.
“I am passionate about nurturing, developing and coaching the talent we have here to become top players at this club.
Under Ole's leadership, our vision will ensure that we continue to provide the right environment for our young players to thrive in.”
Nick Cox will fill the academy position vacated by Butt.
He will work in tandem with the former England midfielder and head of football development John Murtagh.
United chief Woodward said: “These changes will further enhance the excellent work and results we have seen over many decades in our academy system and continue our proud tradition s of producing world-class players capable of playing and excelling in the first team.”
