Manchester United icons Nicky Butt and Ryan Giggs have offered a brutally honest take on their old club, emphasizing that the current outlook isn’t exactly rosy.
The club has stumbled through yet another rocky season, languishing in 13th place in the Premier League with a mere 37 points after 29 games. Following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal last season, Ruben Amorim was brought in as the new boss. However, his attempts to rejuvenate the squad with a 3-4-3 strategy have yet to bear fruit.
Manchester United’s hopes of clinching any silverware rest solely on the Europa League, which also represents their ticket back into European competition.
Years of mismanagement and lackluster recruitment have left the Red Devils in financial distress. This has compelled them to enact numerous budget-tightening measures like laying off numerous staff members, eliminating free lunches, and scrapping benefits for cup finals.
At the Foundation 92 launch gala dinner on Thursday night, Butt and Giggs elaborated on their concerns regarding United’s predicament and Amorim’s potential.
Butt remarked to The Mirror, “For years now, it’s like United has been using a band-aid on a serious wound. It’s ineffective. Every fan, myself included, should recognize that we are at rock bottom. There’s a long, arduous climb ahead of us to catch up with possibly four or five clubs superior to us, both on and off the field.”
He added, “I wouldn’t be overly optimistic and say it’ll be a quick fix just because we’re United. History shows that even great clubs can falter and face long waits for success. I hope that’s not the case, but I wouldn’t rule it out. They’re making lots of mistakes, which is disheartening because I cherished every moment at United since I was a kid. This isn’t the club I knew and loved.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Giggs commented, “I appreciate Ruben, and he seems to have a good demeanor, but he has a tough job on his hands. It’s about supporting him and giving him the time he needs.”
“It might take a while to bring good days back, but from what I observe, if he gets the backing, he stands a good chance. We’ve seen how football can be cyclical. Just like before we clinched the league, and Liverpool’s own struggles, it’s how the game evolves. But repairing the damage of the past decade’s missteps will require substantial effort. Witnessing this as a long-time player and fan is tough to digest.”
Giggs continued, “Harsh and possibly truthful words have been spoken lately by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ruben. He’s been forthright when needed, calling out certain individuals. Maybe that’s what was required. Time will tell. Nobody can predict the future with certainty, and the coming years will be very telling. Ruben hasn’t shied away from the challenges, even though few realized how daunting his task would be until he stepped into it. Yet, he’s stayed optimistic.”
“He knows what it takes to clinch league titles. He possesses charisma and a strong personality, but also exhibits the tenacity needed to succeed,” Giggs emphasized.
Recently, United unveiled plans for an ultra-modern 100,000-seater stadium, with Ratcliffe confident it could be up and running in five years.
Discussing the new stadium, Giggs shared, “Ideally, everyone would prefer to maintain the current stadium, like they have with the Nou Camp or Bernabeu. But if that’s not feasible, then creating a new venue would be the next best step.”
“United has always been pioneering in terms of technology, amenities, and fan experience, but we’ve lagged behind recently. If a new stadium is the solution, it should epitomize excellence both in facilities and attracting top talent on the pitch.”
Turning their attention to Marcus Rashford, a player both legends have encountered frequently during their coaching careers, Butt and Giggs shared their thoughts.
Rashford, having fallen out with Amorim, was loaned out to Aston Villa during January’s transfer window. His performance has improved there, although he’s yet to find the net.
Villa has an option to make his move permanent for £40 million, but both Butt and Giggs expressed a desire to see Rashford back at United.
In speaking with the Manchester Evening News, Butt reflected on Rashford’s situation, “Leaving was the best move for him. He wasn’t showing signs of joy on the pitch here. I’ve known Marcus since he was around nine or ten—a genuinely great lad. His abilities are phenomenal, but things weren’t clicking for him.”
“It was tough to watch him struggle when, for nearly a decade, he shined consistently on the field. Aston Villa is an excellent club. They have a great manager and a solid blueprint. I’ve seen their matches, and Marcus is showing signs of approaching his former prowess. Getting called up again would be a great confidence boost.”
Butt added, “Who knows what the future holds? Sometimes, playing elsewhere can reignite something in a player. I, too, went on loan and returned unexpectedly, spending five years and captaining for three at Newcastle. Football is unpredictable. Having Marcus back at United would be fantastic, but only time will tell.”
When asked whether Rashford felt overwhelmed by expectations, Butt responded, “Young players often don’t overthink things. They play freely. As they age, concerns about performance and criticism can become paralyzing. Initially, they receive ample support, which is crucial.”
“Marcus clearly faced challenges at the club, though I’m unsure if they were on-field or off-field. Anyone could see he wasn’t enjoying his football.”
“It’s disheartening to see someone you’ve known since their childhood struggle. It’s a relief, albeit an odd one, as his Villa stint might just lead to something positive this season.”
Giggs, too, admitted his wish for Rashford’s return to United. He noted that Rashford may have felt burdened, having possibly lost sight of the joy in playing.
(Note to readers: Image courtesy of Alex Livesey via Getty Images)
Stay connected with us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social
