Nicky Butt appointed Head of Academy

Nicky, 41, is a graduate of the Academy's famous Class of '92 and made 387 competitive appearances for the Club between 1992 and 2004, during which time he won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, a UEFA Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup winners' medal. He currently holds his UEFA Pro coaching licence.

Announcing the appointment, Executive Vice-Chairman Ed Woodward said: "I am delighted that Nicky has accepted the role of Head of Academy. Nicky has the traditions and heritage of this Club in his blood and he is the natural choice to ensure that, in modernising the way the Academy operates and shaping the new investment we are making, it retains the values and the focus that it has always had.

"Manchester United's Academy is completely focused on producing young players for our first team. As a graduate of its finest team in the modern era, Nicky will bring passion, energy and experience to drive the Academy forward, retaining the characteristics that give us a competitive advantage namely an unmatched track record of player development together with the runway of first-team action. In the last four years, some 15 Academy graduates have played for the first team, playing a total of 173 appearances a record of which the Club is very proud."

Nicky Butt said: "It's a privilege to take on this role. As someone who learned his trade in the United youth set-up, it's a huge honour now to be given the chance to lead the Academy and to instil its values and attitudes to continue to create future generations of Manchester United players.

"It's a big challenge but I am fortunate to be taking over a dedicated, first-class team. Our aim remains the same to keep supplying the first team with well-coached, rounded players that understand the responsibility of playing for the biggest club in the world."