Nicky Butt ‘set to be cleared of any conflict of interest’ between Manchester United and Salford

Nicky Butt will reportedly be cleared of any possible conflict of interest after Manchester United‘s Under-21s were drawn to play Salford City in the group stages of this season’s EFL Trophy.

The League Two side are part-owned by Butt and other members of the famous ‘Class of 92’ generation that came through United’s academy side some 28 years ago.

However Butt, who made almost 400 appearances for the Red Devils, is currently head of first-team development at Manchester United and question marks had been raised over his involvement.

Nicky Butt is set to be cleared of any conflict of interest when Salford City play Manchester United’s Under-21s in next season’s EFL Trophy

The League Two side are part-owned by Butt and other members of the famous ‘Class of 92’

But, according to i, talks over a potential conflict took place before the draw and EFL officials are content that there will be no issue. 

The EFL can keep clubs apart for various reasons during the early stages and could have done so but they were happy that Butt is not hands on at Salford and will not pick the team United will put out.

Manchester United entered a team, which must have at least six members of the starting XI aged under 21, for the first time last season.

Butt, who also won 39 senior England caps during his career, was promoted to head of first-team development last year.

However Butt is also currently head of first-team development at Manchester United

He is tasked with ensuring there is a clear pathway through to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad from the academy set-up.   

United have seen the likes of Mason Greenwood, Brandon Williams and Tahith Chong make their mark in the first team this season.

But the EFL Trophy will prove a huge chance for some of the upcoming generation including Ethan Laird, Teden Mengi and Dylan Levitt to impress in front of some of their club’s greatest ever players.

United are one of 16 academy sides taking place in next season’s competition, and were drawn into a group alongside Salford, Rochdale and Morecambe.