Manchester United's academy chief Butt bailed after being arrested on suspicion of assault on woman after alleged domestic incident involving ex-England midfielder

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Manchester United head of academy Nicky Butt has been bailed until May 16 after he was arrested on suspicion of assault on Tuesday.

Sportsmail understands the 44–year-old was held by police at 2pm on Tuesday following reports that a woman had been assaulted, hours before United took on Barcelona in their crunch Champions League quarter-final second leg. 

Butt remained in custody into the evening and was set to be interviewed by officers while United were in action against the La Liga giants. 

Nicky Butt pictured arriving at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Monday

Butt, pictured in action against Leeds in 2000, played for Manchester United for 12 years

The woman was reported to have suffered a small cut to her hand and did not require hospital treatment.

United declined to comment, however, the news comes on a terrible day for the famed Class of '92 – after fellow member Paul Scholes was charged by the Football Association with allegedly breaking their rules on betting.

Butt, who made 387 appearances for the club between 1992 and 2004, was appointed head of academy in 2016 and has been credited with the emergence of the likes of Marcus Rashford and overseeing the club's hugely important youth operation.

He is viewed as a highly-regarded former professional who, in his coveted role, is charged with setting an example for and providing coaching and inspiration to the next generation of United heroes.

Butt on the touchline during United Under 19s' game against Juventus in November, 2018

Butt holds the Premier League trophy with Wes Brown (left) and Ronny Johnsen in May, 1999

It is understood that Old Trafford officials, who were focussing on a hugely important night for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his men in Catalonia, were left suddenly trying to establish details of what had taken place.

Butt won six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and a UEFA Champions League, after making his debut for United in 1992. He also played for Newcastle United and Birmingham City and has 39 England caps. 

Butt, born and raised in the Manchester suburb of Gorton, married Shelley Barlow in 2008. The pair have two children.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Police were called at around 2pm on Tuesday 16 April 2019, to reports that a woman had been assaulted at a house on Broadway, Hale. 

'The woman received a small cut to her hand and does not require hospital treatment. 

'A 44–year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of assault and remains in custody for questioning.'

Paul Scholes was charged with misconduct by the FA on Tuesday, after placing 140 bets 

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