Make Hong Kong trips two or three times a year, says Manchester United academy chief Nicky Butt
Former South China man applauds Hong Kong Football Association under-17 side after friendly with touring Man Utd youth squad
“During my time, there were a lot of technically talented players, but not so professional,” said Butt, 42, after watching his Manchester United Academy under-16s edge out a 3-2 friendly win against the Hong Kong Football Association under-17s on Saturday.
“They had enough technical skills, but it’s more about getting on the pitch as much as possible. As many hours on the grass as you can.
At the moment, our [academy] boys get 14 to 15 hours a week of training. You don’t get that here; probably three or four hours,” said Butt, who was appointed United’s head of academy last year in an attempt to catch up with rivals Manchester City’s blossoming youth set-up.