Nicky Butt has revealed his decision to leave Manchester United was nothing to do with plans for the European Super League.
The former United midfield left his role as the club's head of first-team development last month after nine years in coaching and player development roles at the academy.
Butt's departure came just weeks after a reshuffle that saw John Murtough named the new football director and Darren Fletcher the technical director at Old Trafford.
The botched plans for a European Super League have also made headlines at United this week, but Butt insists his decision to sever ties with a club he served with distinction was based around the desire to pursue new challenges.
"It wasn't a wrench to go if I'm honest, I love the club, always have and always will. But I knew it was my time to leave and maybe get some new challenges and start something different," he told Sky Sports.
Butt, who spent 12 years as a first-team player at United, said there was no fallout that led to his decision to leave the club.
"Nio, not at all, I was comfortable in my job, comfortable in my surroundings, it was just a personal choice to leave the club because I felt like it was my time to go and explore other opportunities," he said.
"Obviously, with what's gone on over the last few days, it looks like there was a reason why I left, but that wasn't the reason, my reason for leaving was purely to accept new challenges that hopefully will come soon."
