Ruben Butt Shines with First Goals for Salford

Ruben Butt, the son of former Manchester United and England midfielder Nicky Butt, recently celebrated a significant milestone by scoring his first goals for Salford City, contributing to a commendable victory on Tuesday. The 18-year-old achieved a remarkable brace during his first start, showcasing his talent with two impressive finishes, which earned him the Man of the Match accolade. Butt’s first goal came from a precise cut inside and a curled low shot past the goalkeeper, while his second was a deft placement of the ball between the goalkeeper’s legs after running onto a long pass.

Following the match, Butt expressed his pride in achieving this personal milestone. He shared with the club’s media, “I had at least one in the first half, maybe two. In the second half, I thought, ‘I need to score,’ and I managed to get two. I have to be happy with that.”

He further emphasized the importance of the competition, stating, “[Alex] Bruce reminded us, especially the senior players, about how crucial this tournament is, with the final taking place at Wembley. We need to aim for victory in every game. After going 1-0 down, we reacted well. At halftime, we realized we had to win. Our second-half performance was significantly better than the first.”

Butt also noted the positive relationship he shares with the first-team players, explaining, “We feel much closer to the senior lads. They look after us and are very supportive, even when they have to correct us. It aids our development. We are all adapting to the style of play that the manager and Bruce want from us. It’s essential to work on it daily and demonstrate that we deserve the opportunity. Tonight provided a fantastic chance to do just that.”

In addition to Butt, Salford features other notable names, including Alex Bruce, the son of former Manchester United star Steve Bruce, who serves as a first-team coach. Former Liverpool striker Fabio Borini also played in the recent match after signing a short-term deal with the club in October.

Borini discussed his motivation for joining Salford, stating, “It’s been a great experience. I initially came in to train and maintain my fitness during the transition between contracts. The manager and Alex Bruce graciously allowed me to use the facilities here. I offer a wealth of experience, but it’s also about contributing outside of the pitch—leading by example in training, managing a game, and adapting to League Two football. I’m eager to learn from my teammates about the unique characteristics of this league while being an open book for them to benefit from my experiences. This challenge is one I wholeheartedly embrace as it rekindles my love for football.”

Salford’s recent victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers secured their position at the top of their group in the Vertu Trophy, advancing them to the last 32 of the competition. The club will find out their next opponents during Thursday’s draw, with the advantage of hosting the match. Meanwhile, Ruben Butt will be looking forward to further opportunities in the tournament, having played a pivotal role for Salford.