Ryan Giggs and Nicky Butt, two pillars of Manchester United’s golden era, stood just miles from Old Trafford at the Foundation 92 gala dinner this week but their message was worlds away from the glory days they once defined. Speaking to The Mirror, the club legends delivered a sobering verdict on United’s worst season in modern history, questioning whether their former team can escape its downward spiral anytime soon.
“A Plaster on a Gaping Wound”
Butt, whose 12-year playing career at United included six Premier League titles, didn’t mince words about the club’s current state. “Over recent years, United has looked like it’s a plaster on a gaping wound,” he said. “It doesn’t work.” The similarity cuts deep for a club languishing in 13th place, which once was an English powerhouse.
Giggs, United’s most decorated player, echoed Butt’s bleak outlook. “I think every single fan—and I’m one—has to understand we’re at the bottom of the mountain,” he admitted. “There’s a massive, massive climb to get up to, probably four or five clubs above them. Not only on the pitch, but off the pitch.”
Amorim’s Impossible Task?
While both legends expressed sympathy for manager Ruben Amorim, they warned his project hinges on unprecedented backing. “I like Ruben, I think he comes across well, but he’s got a tough job,” said Giggs. “It’s a case of backing him and sticking with him. It might be a long time before we bring success back.”
Amorim, who replaced Erik ten Hag last summer, has struggled to implement his 3-4-3 system amid injury crises and a disjointed squad. Giggs acknowledged the Portuguese coach’s resolve: “He’s called a few people out when it’s needed. He’s got that charisma, that personality, but also that bit of steel.” But Butt cautioned that even Sir Alex Ferguson’s return wouldn’t guarantee a quick fix: “I think even if you got David Gill and Sir Alex back there, it’s going to be a struggle.”
Decade of Failure
The pair pinpointed poor recruitment as the root of United’s woes. “Recruitment-wise, bad decisions, both on and off the pitch—there’s a lot of work to be done,” said Giggs. Butt expanded: “It’s sad to see… it’s not the United I know and loved.”
Financial constraints loom large. The club’s cost-cutting measures including staff redundancies and axing free lunches, highlight the fallout from years of reckless spending. Giggs warned: “Football is different these days… young players are on £25,000 or £30,000 a week. It’s very hard to get back to where it used to be.”
Stadium Dreams
United’s ambitious £2bn stadium plans drew mixed reactions. Giggs praised the vision but tempered expectations: “If it’s going to be a new stadium, it needs to be the best… United fell behind with a lot of things.” Butt, however, dismissed Sir Dave Brailsford’s “Mission21” title target by 2028 as unrealistic: “To be fair, that ain’t going to happen. Other clubs aren’t standing still.”
Rashford’s Crossroads
Marcus Rashford’s loan spell at Aston Villa sparked debate. Butt, who coached Rashford in United’s academy, revealed: “He was not looking happy playing football here. I’ve known Marcus since he was nine… it’s sad to see.” Despite Rashford’s Villa stint, both legends want him back. “I’d like to see him back in a Man United shirt,” said Butt. Giggs added: “He’s gone to Villa, who are an amazing club… but hopefully he returns.”
Road Ahead
Drawing parallels to Liverpool’s 30-year title drought, Butt warned fans to brace for a prolonged rebuild: “I wouldn’t bet against it taking as long as Liverpool.” Giggs, though, clung to hope: “You need young, hungry players… it can happen in a short space of time.”
Yet their closing words resonated with caution. “United are going to have to go like that [upward],” said Butt, gesturing sharply. “But other clubs are still going like that too. It’s going to be a long way off.”
For a club once defined by dominance, Giggs and Butt’s truths are a stark reminder that Manchester United’s darkest hour may still be ahead.