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Manchester United legend Nicky Butt has warned incoming boss Ruben Amorim that he is set to inherit a squad of “average” players who only look out for themselves as opposed to the team’s interest.
Butt also cautioned the current squad that their jobs are at risk once Amorim arrives, amidst a need to foster a competitive culture whereby no one is assured of a starting spot during games.
Amorim is set to officially take charge of United on November 11, after Sporting Lisbon’s meeting at Braga.
On Tuesday night, the Portuguese tactician gave the Red Devils supporters a glimpse of what he can bring to Old Trafford, as he masterminded a ruthless 4-1 victory over Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the Champions League.
Sporting came from a goal down to put City to the sword and run out winners at Estádio José Alvalade.
Butt, who certainly knows one or two things about the high demands at a club of the sheer size and history of United, spoke to talkSPORT and admitted that Amorim must change the culture there if he is to be successful where so many other managers before him have failed.
The six-time Premier League winner noted that some United players have become way too comfortable and don’t see their places in the team as being under threat.
Butt said, “I think regardless of the decade we’re in at Man United, every player should be under the impression that someone can come and take your place at any time. I think that’s what big football clubs are like no matter who you are.”
“There’s maybe like two or three players every generation that know they’re okay, like Roy Keane and Eric Cantona. But the rest of the players in a squad like Man United must always be looking over their shoulder thinking at any one point there’s a young lad coming through or the manager’s going to go and buy a world star.”
“We have to get back to that at Man United. Everyone should be nervous about what’s going to happen over the next nine to 12 months. Every single one of Man United’s players aren’t playing to the level they should be.”
Butt added, “It kills me to say it. I’ve been a Manchester United fan since the age of six. You’ll say that Bruno’s [Fernandes] a fantastic player, which he is, he’s a top talent.”
The 49-year-old insisted that most of the United players are not performing at the highest level and arguably none of them get into the Team of the Year.
When asked what is waiting for Amorim upon his arrival at the club next week, Butt remarked, “An average squad if I’m honest. A team of individuals that seem to play for themselves. I watched the game on Sunday (against Chelsea). I would never say people don’t work hard and don’t run but I think they do it on their own back.”
He opined that United don’t play as a unit and that’s a big concern.
Ruud van Nistelrooy and his stars return to Europa League action on Thursday when they host Greek outfit PAOK FC.
Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images
