Manchester United’s head of academy Nicky Butt has been bailed after being arrested on suspicion of assaulting a woman.

The 44-year-old was held by police following reports on Tuesday that a woman had been assaulted at an address in Hale, Greater Manchester. The former United and England midfielder was later released pending further inquiries and has denied the allegations.

A spokeswoman 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 was arrested on suspicion of assault and has been bailed pending further inquiries.

“Inquiries are ongoing and anyone with information should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1086 of 16/04/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”

A spokesperson for Butt said: “Mr Butt strongly denies any allegations or suggestions of an assault and will continue to cooperate and assist the police with their ongoing investigations.”

Butt won six Premier League titles in his playing career at Old Trafford and also played in the club’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Bayern Munich in the 1999 Champions League final.