Manchester United treble winner Nicky Butt has expressed concern over the current state of the club, admitting that the Red Devils have lost both their identity and the fear factor that once made them a dominant force in the Premier League.
Butt, who left his role as academy director at United over 18 months ago, shared his thoughts in an interview with the club’s website. He admitted that he hardly recognizes the current version of the club.
“Over recent years, United has looked like it’s a plaster on a gaping wound,” Butt said. “It doesn’t work.”
He emphasized the scale of the challenge ahead for the club, stating, “I think every single fan – and I’m one – has to understand we’re at the bottom of the mountain and there’s a massive, massive climb to get up to, probably four or five clubs above them. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch.”
Butt, while hopeful for the club’s recovery, cautioned against thinking the turnaround would be quick. “I would never be naive and say it won’t take that long because we’re United, because big clubs have had it before, where they’ve had to wait so long. I hope not, but I wouldn’t bet against it.”
Reflecting on his deep connection to the club, Butt concluded, “There are a lot of things I think they’re doing wrong, but we all know that and it’s sad to see, because I loved my time at United since I was six years of age and it’s not the United I know and loved.”
