I don’t have another man

Butt’s ex denies claims of new romance

THE wife of former Manchester United star Nicky Butt has denied claims she has a new boyfriend.

Mum-of-two Shelley is going through a divorce from the ex-england star, who has moved out and is living in a nearby flat.

Former midfielder Butt, 44, now head coach at United’s youth academy, was arrested this week following reports of an assault at the marital home.

He was bailed pending further inquiries and strongly denied any assault.

A report yesterday wrongly suggested Shelley is in a new relationship after separating from

Butt, who she married in June 2008.

But a source close to the family said: “Shelley is very upset by what has been said because it’s completely untrue.

“She’s absolutely not in another relationship. She has also been co-operating fully with the police about the incident which led to them becoming involved. What happened is nothing like what has been reported but she doesn’t think it’s right to discuss the details when an investigation is going on.”

After Butt’s arrest on Tuesday, a statement from Greater Manchester Police said: “Police were called to reports that a woman had been assaulted at a house on Broadway in Hale. The woman received a small cut to her hand and did not require hospital treatment. “A 44-year-old was arrested and has been bailed. Inquiries are on-going.”

The star’s lawyers said in a statement: “Mr Butt strongly denies any allegations or suggestions of an assault and will continue to

co- operate and assist the police.”