Butt Critiques Structural Issues at Manchester United Amidst Ongoing Challenges

Between 1995 and 2004, Nicky Butt was instrumental in securing six league titles, three FA Cups, and the Champions League under the guidance of Sir Alex Ferguson, becoming part of an ingrained winning culture at Manchester United. However, the club’s difficulties since Ferguson’s departure in 2013 have been widely reported. Although there have been sporadic successes, such as FA Cup and Europa League victories, the Premier League title has remained out of reach. Finishing as runners-up under José Mourinho and Ole Gunnar Solskjær offered a glimpse of progress, yet neither era ultimately maintained any sustainable momentum. The 2024-25 season culminated in a disappointing 15th-place finish under current manager Ruben Amorim, marking the club’s worst league standing since their relegation in 1974. Additionally, a Europa League final loss to Tottenham exacerbated the setbacks, denying United a chance to qualify for the Champions League.

Butt’s criticism extends beyond the coaching staff. In a recent interview with FourFourTwo, he articulated that the issues plaguing the club are deeply rooted in its structure. “For me, it’s fundamentally that the club is rotten from the bottom up at the minute,” the United legend remarked. He asserted that even if Sir Alex Ferguson were to return, immediate transformation would be unattainable, suggesting that the same would apply to other top managers like Pep Guardiola or Jürgen Klopp.

In Butt’s opinion, the decline in player recruitment standards has been pivotal. He believes that United can no longer attract or properly identify players of the quality that previously ensured success. This realization, he argues, necessitates an acceptance among supporters that a genuine challenge for the title may still be several years away.

He noted, “Ultimately, I think the players we’re buying and the players that we’re able to buy aren’t at the level we used to have, so it’s about accepting the fact that it’s going to take five to eight years in order to get the club back to anywhere near winning the Premier League. It’s been a sh*tshow.”

Amorim seems to share the belief that quick fixes could be detrimental. The Portuguese manager has consistently emphasized that any recruitment in January should align completely with director of football Jason Wilcox to ensure that new signings genuinely enhance the squad. With several players linked to moves ahead of the winter transfer window, including speculation around Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, the situation remains fluid.

“Sometimes I have one idea, Jason and the board have another idea,” Amorim acknowledged. “I think we did well [with our summer recruitment], but I think they have more to give. If you talk about (Matheus) Cunha, for example, Ayden (Heaven) is a young player, but Cunha and Bryan (Mbeumo) are from our league, making it easier for them to perform.”

The club’s reluctance to take risks is compounded by a squad facing increasing strain. Players like Noussair Mazraoui, Amad Diallo, and Bryan Mbeumo are currently participating in the Africa Cup of Nations, while Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt, and Harry Maguire are sidelined due to injuries. Nonetheless, Amorim insists on maintaining the club’s long-term vision rather than making hasty decisions to fill short-term gaps.

“The only thing we will try to bring now – and at the end of the season – are players that are perfect for our future,” Amorim stated before United’s 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. “It’s not going to be to save something in this moment, to cope with the losses of three players for AFCON. Even if we try to bring one player, maybe it won’t be in the position we need most. So I don’t know what will happen, but it’s possible that we can do something.”

Amorim remains resolute in his ambition to return United to the Champions League. As they prepare for their upcoming match against Wolves, they find themselves just three points behind the fourth position, with expectations to defeat the league’s bottom side to enhance their chances of European qualification.