Nicky Butt

Nicholas ("Nicky") Butt (born Manchester, 21 January 1975) is a professional footballer who plays for Newcastle United in the English Premiership. A primarily defensive midfielder, he is a regular England international.

He began his career at Manchester United and was an important part of their youth team before turning professional in 1993. He became a regular player in the Manchester United first team from 1994-95 onwards. His opportunities were somewhat limited by the presence of Roy Keane and Paul Scholes, but nevertheless he he collected a whole host of honours: six Premiership titles, four F.A. Cups and one European Cup.

He won his first England cap during the 1997-98 season and became a regular in the side. After the 2002 World Cup he was named "the best player at the tournament" by Brazilian legend Pele.

His first-team opportunities at Manchester United further restricted by a number of new midfield acquisitions, Butt handed in a transfer request in January 2004, but turned down a proposed move to Birmingham City during the January transfer window and stayed at United for the rest of the season. He was transferred to Newcastle United for £2 million in July 2004 to replace the retiring Gary Speed.