Former Red Devils midfielder Nicky Butt shares his expert perspective on the recent developments at Old Trafford.
Butt, with 387 appearances for United, is well-versed in the club’s high expectations, having won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League during his time under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Butt acknowledges that the standards have significantly dropped since his time at the club, stressing that this needs to change if Amorim is to restore the glory days at Old Trafford.
According to Butt, this change must begin with the players, as some seem too at ease with their positions in the starting XI.
“I think regardless of the decade we’re in at Man United, every player should be under the impression that someone can come and take your place at any time,” Butt told talkSPORT.
“I think that’s what big football clubs are like no matter who you are.
“There’s maybe like two or three players every generation that know they’re okay, like Roy Keane and Eric Cantona.
“But the rest of the players in a squad like Man United must always be looking over their shoulder thinking at any one point there’s a young lad coming through or the manager’s going to go and buy a world star.
“We have to get back to that at Man United,” he added. “Everyone should be nervous about what’s going to happen over the next nine to 12 months.
“Every single one of Man United’s players aren’t playing to the level they should be.”
Butt’s frustration with Manchester United’s current situation is highlighted by his statement that none of the current players would make it into the teams of Manchester City, Liverpool, or Arsenal.
“It kills me to say it,” Butt said. “I’ve been a Manchester United fan since the age of six. You’ll say that Bruno’s [Fernandes] a fantastic player, which he is, he’s a top talent.
“You could say one or two others but they’re not standing out, they’re not performing at the highest level and you can see it at the end of every season, how many Man United players are getting in the Team of the Year?
“There’s none and it’s sad to say but that’s a fact.”
Butt has urged Manchester United to give Ruben Amorim the time he needs to implement his approach and build a squad capable of competing for the Premier League title. He stressed that creating a successful team requires patience, especially after the instability the club has experienced in recent years.
With time to establish his methods and make the necessary changes, Amorim could lay the foundation for a long-term return to success. Butt believes that stability and support are essential for Amorim to transform the squad and restore Manchester United to its former glory.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure in 2013, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been the longest-serving manager at Manchester United, holding the position for three years. His tenure stands out in an era marked by frequent managerial changes at the club.
In contrast, both Jose Mourinho and Erik ten Hag were given only two-and-a-half years each to improve the club’s fortunes, reflecting the high expectations and limited time frame given to managers at Old Trafford.
Louis van Gaal was in charge at Old Trafford for two years, while David Moyes was given just nine months.
When asked about what Amorim will inherit at Old Trafford next week, Butt offered a harsh response.
“An average squad if I’m honest. A team of individuals that seem to play for themselves,” he said.
“I watched the game on Sunday (against Chelsea). I would never say people don’t work hard and don’t run but I think they do it on their own back. They don’t do it as a unit and I don’t know what Man United is.”
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