Manchester United fans fortunate enough to see Sir Alex Ferguson’s great teams are in no doubt just how special an era it was.
Sir Alex Ferguson oversaw the rise of the famed ‘Class of 92’ academy talents, who went on to lead Manchester United to numerous trophies and enjoy stellar careers.
Of these stars it is often Paul Scholes and David Beckham who attract the most plaudits. While Gary Neville is the one we see most regularly on Sky Sports.
One who does not command attention is Nicky Butt, despite the huge contribution he gave to Manchester United during his career at the club.
Nicky Butt was ‘unbelievable’
During MUTV’s The Debate, a subject put out for discussion was the question, ‘who is Manchester United’s greatest ever academy player?’
While not necessarily putting him forward as number one, former United midfielder Quinton Fortune, a studio guest, wanted to give Nicky Butt some love.
Fortune, who played for Manchester United between 1999 and 2006, explained: “Nicky Butt was one of the most underrated. He was unbelievable.
“He could do everything. Today you find players can only play in certain positions, Butt could play in midfield, up front, left-back right-back, any position.”
Butt’s finest moment in a Manchester United shirt came in 1999, where he stepped up as a starter in central midfield in the Champions League final, with Roy Keane and Paul Scholes suspended.
He also made a big impression for England, where he got the ultimate compliment when Brazilian legend Pele lauded him as the finest English player of his generation after starring at the 2002 World Cup.
Butt later worked in Manchester United’s academy, passing on his wisdom, before leaving amid a row with John Murtough.
Fortune loved Paul Scholes too
Quinton Fortune had positive words for Paul Scholes too, describing him as a joy to play with – and the total opposite to go up against him in training.
The former South Africa international said: “Scholes is up there. Scholes was an absolute genius.
“It was a joy playing with Scholes every day. You had to smile when you play with him. A nightmare to play against him.”
Scholes stayed at United longer than Butt did, winning 11 Premier League titles, with Butt winning six.
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