Nicky Butt ‘could join Wayne Rooney’s Derby setup’ after his shock Manchester United exit

Nicky Butt is in line for a swift return to coaching after leaving Manchester United, with Derby County manager Wayne Rooney ready to recruit him for the Championship club.

That’s according to The Sun, who say Rooney has a vacancy available and that the challenge of trying to turn Derby into a Premier League side could tempt Butt.

The publication also adds that Inter Miami, David Beckham’s Major League Soccer outfit, could also make a move to bring Butt in but it is likelier to be the Championship where Butt makes his next move.

Derby manager Wayne Rooney could have a role to offer Butt at his Championship side

Rooney replaced Philip Cocu as Derby manager on a full-time basis in January this year, signing a two-and-a-half year deal at the club.

The had slid towards the drop zone under the guidance of the Dutchman but Rooney has managed to steer them to 19th, five points above the bottom three with eight games left of the season.

The potential appointment of Butt, 46, would be an eye-catching move. The former United and Newcastle midfielder – who left United as a player in 2004, the year Rooney signed – has overseen some important work at Old Trafford in his nine years there in a coaching capacity.

Butt had been responsible for overseeing the development of the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood, but announced on Wednesday that he has decided to quit his post as head of first-team development in search of a ‘new challenge’. 

According to The Athletic, Butt left amid a difference in footballing views with United’s newly appointed director John Murtough. He also allegedly felt overlooked for the technical director role that was recently awarded to Darren Fletcher.

Rooney pictured in his playing days competing with Butt, who joined Newcastle after United

Butt’s work at United has been highly regarded but he is now seeking a fresh opprtunity

In a statement on their official website, United said: ‘He leaves the club with the warmest best wishes of everyone at Manchester United and our thanks for his important contribution to nurturing a succession of homegrown players who have made it to the first team during his time at the Aon Training Complex. 

‘He has also played a key role in bringing in a new generation of talented staff and leaders to take the Academy forwards. 

‘Marcus Rashford, Scott McTominay, Axel Tuanzebe, Dean Henderson and Mason Greenwood are among those that Nicky has worked closely with during a period when our Academy has renewed its reputation as one of the most productive in world football.’

Butt said: ‘Having come through the academy myself to play almost 400 games for Manchester United, it has been an absolute privilege to come back and work with a new generation of talent making that same journey.

‘I’m proud of the role everyone on the staff plays in giving our young footballers the best possible chance of fulfilling their potential, and the results are clear to see in the increased number of homegrown players reaching the first team.

There are also suggestions David Beckham would like to have Butt at his Inter Miami setup

Beckham and Butt were United team-mates during a dominant era under Sir Alex Ferguson

‘I already know from my playing days how difficult it is to leave Manchester United, but it feels like the right moment for a new professional challenge and I look forward to exploring opportunities that build on the great experiences I’ve had here over the past nine years.’ 

After breaking through at United during his playing days, Butt starred in the senior squad from 1992 to 2004, making 270 Premier League appearances before moving on to Newcastle United.

In total Butt featured 387 times across all competitions for United, winning six Premier League medals and three FA Cups. He was also part of the squad that won the Champions League against Bayern Munich in 1999.