Nicky Butt Urges Manchester United to Focus on Squad Depth

Nicky Butt has seen enough. Not just of Manchester United’s muddled recruitment, but of the obsession with chasing the next superstar while the squad underneath creaks.

The former United midfielder has urged his old club to change course and target depth, hunger and value – and he believes West Ham winger Crysencio Summerville fits that brief.

Butt’s blueprint: less glitz, more grit

United’s recent windows have been dominated by big names and bigger fees. Butt wants something different: a squad built on layers, not just a glittering first XI.

"We've got to build the squad, the bench has got to be stronger," he said, speaking to Paddy Power. For him, the difference between a good side and a serious one is what happens when you look past the starting line-up.

He pointed to those clubs who can bring on “another four that can come on and make a difference” as the benchmark. United, in his eyes, are nowhere near that yet.

Summerville catches the eye

Summerville’s name is not the obvious headline act in a United transfer summer, but that’s exactly the point. At 24, the Dutch winger is emerging, not established – and Butt thinks that makes him the right kind of target.

The West Ham man has carried his club form onto the international stage with the Netherlands, scoring in a 2-2 draw against Japan and sharpening interest in his future. United are understood to be tracking him as they search for extra attacking options, and Butt is firmly in favour.

"He's an explosive player, he's good to watch, but I don't think he's consistent enough," Butt admitted. That criticism came with a caveat – and a recommendation.

"The money shouldn’t be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad."

For Butt, Summerville ticks the profile United should be chasing: high ceiling, room to grow, realistic fee. Not the finished article, but a player who can be moulded and pushed, rather than indulged.

A starter in waiting?

Summerville’s performances for the Netherlands have sharpened the argument. Butt picked out his display in the opening game in particular.

"Summerville was brilliant for the Netherlands in the first game, so he could potentially start every week for Man United," he said.

There was no attempt to dress up the flaws. Butt stressed that if Summerville wants to reach the next level, consistency must follow the flashes of brilliance.

"I'm looking at him thinking he’s got to get a lot more consistent to get to the next level. But I'd still definitely look at signing a player like him."

That “but” is doing a lot of work. It speaks to a wider frustration: United have spent heavily on players who arrive as stars and leave without having shifted the club’s direction. Butt would rather see United invest in players who still feel they have something to prove.

Old Trafford’s thin underbelly

The issue, as Butt sees it, isn’t just about one winger. It’s structural.

When United’s strongest XI is fit, he believes they can compete. The drop-off once injuries bite or rotation kicks in is where the problems start.

"When United played Leeds at Old Trafford last season and they got beat, the players on the bench and around the squad weren’t good enough," he recalled.

That day, for him, exposed the soft underbelly: a club with elite ambitions relying on squad players who can’t sustain the standard.

"When they're all fit they’re really good but they still need to build the squad so I'd be going for some players like that as well."

Players like Summerville. Players who might not sell shirts in every continent on day one, but who raise the level of training, push the starters, and step in without a noticeable dip.

United have chased the superstar fix for a decade and watched their rivals build machines. Butt’s message is blunt: stop shopping for statement signings and start building a team that can go the distance.