butt_nicky
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Name: Nicholas "Nicky" Butt |
Nationality: England |
Position: Midfielder |
Signing Information: Signed Trainee: 08/07/1991. Signed Professional: 23/01/1993 |
Birthdate: 21-01-1975 |
Years at Club: 1992-2004 |
Age: (49) |
Debut: 21/11/1992 v Oldham Athletic (H) 3-0 (Premiership) |
Birthplace: Gorton, Manchester, England |
Previous clubs: Preston North End (loan) |
Height: 5' 10" (1.78m) |
Farewell to Manchester United: Transferred to Newcastle United, 07/2004, £2.5m |
Weight: 11st 5lbs (72.12kg) |
Passed Away: |
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Nicky Butt is a former English footballer best known for his time at Manchester United as part of the club's famed Class of '92. A tough-tackling, hard-working central midfielder, Butt was a key squad player for Manchester United during their dominant period in the 1990s and early 2000s. Known for his tireless work ethic, defensive qualities, and leadership, Butt won multiple domestic and international trophies during his time at the club.
Early Career and Rise with Manchester United
Nicky Butt rose through Manchester United's youth academy as part of the legendary Class of '92, which also included David Beckham, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes, and Gary Neville. He made his first-team debut in 1992 and quickly established himself as a dependable midfielder known for his tenacity and defensive capabilities.
Career at Manchester United (1992–2004)
Butt spent 12 years at Manchester United, where he made 387 appearances and scored 26 goals for the club. While often overshadowed by more high-profile teammates, Butt played a crucial role in United's success, offering defensive stability and aggression in midfield.
Key Achievements at Manchester United:
Premier League Titles: Butt won six Premier League titles with Manchester United (1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003), cementing his place as a key squad player in Sir Alex Ferguson’s all-conquering teams.
1999 Treble: Butt was part of the 1999 treble-winning team that secured the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. He started in the Champions League final in place of the suspended Roy Keane, helping United secure a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich.
FA Cups and League Cups: Butt also won three FA Cups (1996, 1999, 2004) and added a League Cup to his trophy cabinet in 2003.
Playing Style: Tough, Tenacious, and Dependable
Butt was known for his combative style of play, strong tackles, and ability to break up opposition attacks. He was often deployed in a more defensive role in midfield, providing cover for more attack-minded players like Paul Scholes and David Beckham. His work rate and no-nonsense approach made him a favorite of Sir Alex Ferguson, who relied on him in key moments throughout his career.
Move to Newcastle United and Later Career
In 2004, Butt left Manchester United in search of more regular playing time, signing for Newcastle United. He spent six seasons with the Magpies, becoming an influential player and captain, before briefly playing for Birmingham City on loan and then ending his career with a short spell at South China in Hong Kong.
International Career
Butt earned 39 caps for the England national team, representing his country at the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups and Euro 2004. He was widely praised for his performances in the 2002 World Cup, where he was described by Pelé as England's "best player" in the tournament.
Post-Retirement and Coaching Career
After retiring from professional football, Butt returned to Manchester United in various coaching roles, including overseeing the club’s academy. His work in developing young talent helped United nurture the next generation of players. In 2019, Butt became head of first-team development, further solidifying his reputation as an influential figure at the club post-retirement.
Legacy
Nicky Butt is remembered as a key member of Manchester United’s Class of '92, a hard-working and loyal midfielder who contributed significantly to the club’s success during his 12 years at Old Trafford. His role in United’s 1999 treble-winning season, along with his consistent performances in the heart of midfield, earned him respect as one of the most dependable players of his era. Despite not being as celebrated as some of his more famous teammates, Butt's contributions were vital to Manchester United’s dominance in English football.
Summary
Nicky Butt was a tough and tenacious midfielder who played a crucial role in Manchester United’s success from 1992 to 2004, winning six Premier League titles and being part of the legendary 1999 treble-winning team. Known for his defensive abilities and work ethic, Butt was a dependable figure in Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad. After leaving United, Butt enjoyed a solid spell at Newcastle United and later became a key figure in Manchester United’s academy and coaching staff. |
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League |
League Cup |
FA Cup |
Charity Shield |
European Cup |
Europa League |
Super Cup |
Cup Winners Cup |
Inter-Continental Cup |
World Clubs Cup |
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No |
Season |
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Season
Goals |
Season
Apps |
1 |
1992-1993 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
1993-1994 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
3 |
1994-1995 |
1 |
22 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
35 |
4 |
1995-1996 |
2 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
41 |
5 |
1996-1997 |
5 |
26 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
36 |
6 |
1997-1998 |
3 |
33 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
42 |
7 |
1998-1999 |
2 |
31 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
47 |
8 |
1999-2000 |
3 |
32 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
4 |
42 |
9 |
2000-2001 |
3 |
28 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
11 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
41 |
10 |
2001-2002 |
1 |
25 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
37 |
11 |
2002-2003 |
0 |
18 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
29 |
12 |
2003-2004 |
1 |
21 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
5 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
34 |
TOTALS |
21 |
270 |
0 |
8 |
1 |
29 |
1 |
6 |
2 |
69 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
26 |
387 |
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