Manchester United have announced a restructure of their academy with former player Nicky Butt gaining a new role.
Former midfielder and Class of ‘92 member Butt has been promoted from head of academy to a new position, head of first team development.
This role will see him work more closely with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his first team coaching staff in order to continue the strong bond between the seniors and the academy, to make an even easier path for United's up and coming youngsters to be promoted to the first team.
Butt, who will report directly to Solskjaer, will still play a key role in all major academy decisions and will also be part of the club’s technical board.
Solskjaer has put an emphasis on giving youth a chance since he took over in December, giving first team debuts to Mason Greenwood, James Garner and Tahith Chong, and this latest step looks set to continue that work.
"Manchester United is in my DNA and this is a very proud moment for me as I take on this new role," Butt said.
"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 take Butt's previous role and has been promoted to head of academy and will be in charge of coaching programme and operations serves, including sports, science, education and analysis.
Cox will continue to work with Butt and will report to head of football development, John Murtough.
"Having spent over 20 years working to support the development of young people, it is an honour to be asked to lead the Manchester United academy," Cox said.
"Traditionally we have always been leaders in creating an outstanding environment in which yonug footballers can thirve.
"Today's challenges will further enhance the excellent structure that we have in place to maximise the potential of all our young players."
Ed Woodward, Manchester United executive vice chairman, added: "These changes will further enhance the excellent work and results we have seen over many decades in our academy system and enable us to continue our proud traditions of producing world-class players capable of playing and excelling in the first team."
