Butt returns for Middlesbrough clash

Alex Ferguson handed Nicky Butt only his second Premiership start since the beginning of November as Manchester United looked to close the gap on title rivals Arsenal to two points at the expense of Middlesbrough.

Butt turned down moves to Birmingham and Middlesbrough during the transfer window and received his reward this evening as skipper Roy Keane stood down in readiness for the weekend’s eagerly-awaited FA Cup tie against Manchester City.