Manchester United’s former midfielder Nicky Butt has painted a bleak picture of the club’s current state, claiming they are far from challenging for major trophies and lack the pull they once had in the transfer market.
With the Red Devils sitting 13th in the Premier League, their title hopes seem distant. Despite appointing Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag, performances have worsened, with club legend Gary Neville criticizing their downward trajectory.
Butt believes United need four or five top-tier signings to catch up with Liverpool, Manchester City, Arsenal, and Chelsea. A key concern, he says, is their inability to attract top talent from rival clubs, something they once did with ease. He pointed to Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze as a player who would have been snapped up in Ferguson’s era for £70-80m.
The England international, who was linked with a £60m move last summer, stayed at Selhurst Park. Butt lamented United’s lack of financial muscle and influence in the market, emphasizing the need for smart planning, patience, and significant investment to rebuild.
Following their latest 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, United must regroup for their upcoming FA Cup clash against Leicester City, hoping to salvage something from a disastrous season.