Once part of a stellar Manchester United midfield engine room, Nicky Butt likes what he sees in new Old Trafford centre pair Ander Herrera and Daley Blind.
The duo both arrived at Old Trafford in the summer as part of Louis van Gaal’s rebuild and have settled seamlessly into the high-octane style of Premier League football.
And Butt, a graduate of the Class of ’92 alongside stars such as Gary Neville, Paul Scholes and David Beckham, thinks they have progressed superbly so far.
“They’ve both settled in really well,” Butt told ManUtd.com at this week’s HMV Football Extravaganza – a London-based event that honoured United stalwart Ryan Giggs.
Butt, often employed by Sir Alex Ferguson as a midfield utility player, scored 26 goals in 310 appearances during his 11 year stint at the 20-time league champions.
Although he went on to play for Newcastle United and Birmingham City before ending his playing career at South China, Butt returned to United as a reserve team coach, and sat alongside Giggs in the dugout towards the end of last season.
Herrera, signed from Athletic Bilbao for £28million, had scored two goals in two consecutive games before suffering a fractured rib in the victory over West Ham.
However, Butt believes that he will retain his form upon his return from injury, and believes that Herrara and Blind form the perfect balance at the heart of the Reds’ midfield.
“Ander has been unlucky with some injuries but he’s scored a couple of goals and has looked positive and calm on the ball,” Butt added.
“Daley has come in and helped to shore things up. He’s probably one of the only, if you like, natural sitting midfielders that we have.
“Fletch [Darren Fletcher] always likes to get about the pitch and get forward, while Carras [Michael Carrick] is more of a passer and dictator.
“Daley is very much a protective player, but he can pass the ball as well. He’s looked strong and comfortable.”
United travel to The Hawthorns to face in-form West Bromwich Albion on Monday evening, before facing Chelsea the week after, while the Manchester derby also looms high on the horizon.
Main image courtesy of FullTimeDEVILS via YouTube, with thanks.
