Nicky Butt thinks Manchester United should be building depth, not chasing only the biggest names. Crysencio Summerville fits that argument because his World Cup form has lifted his profile, even if Butt still has doubts about his consistency.

Butt's case for squad depth

Butt did not dress it up as a glamour move. Speaking to goal.com, he said: "He's an explosive player, he's good to watch, but I don't think he's consistent enough. However, the money shouldn't be a lot to get him, and United have to build a squad. It can't be all about going and getting the superstar signings."

He added: "We've got to build the squad, the bench has got to be stronger. When you play a team and see their starting 11 but then they've got another four that can come on and make a difference, that's massive."

That is a fair way to frame Summerville. He scored 5 goals and added 4 assists in 31 Premier League appearances for West Ham last season, which is hardly the profile of a one-run wonder. It also shows why this is about squad value as much as upside.

Summerville's World Cup form

The World Cup is the bigger reason his name is moving around. Summerville has 2 goals and 1 assist in his first 2 World Cup appearances, and both of those games have come from the substitutes' bench.

He scored in the Netherlands' 5-1 win over Sweden after also scoring against Japan. Ronald Koeman said: "I think Summerville is stronger defensively. We talk a lot with the players about recognizing tactical changes on the pitch quicker."

Koeman also explained why he has used him on the right with freedom to cut inside. That flexibility matters for a winger being weighed up as a transfer option, because it gives a clearer picture of the role he can cover.

Butt's view still carries the important caveat. Summerville looks like a useful addition, not the sort of signing that solves everything on its own. For United, that is probably the point. They need players who can improve the bench and still offer end product, and Summerville's early World Cup return has done enough to keep that conversation alive.

Written by Jack Mercer with AI-assisted research, cross-checked against 4 outlets. How we work →