Former Manchester United defender Alexander Buttner scored one of the goals of the season with a stunning strike for Dutch outfit De Graafschap this week.
The left-back, a Red Devil between 2012 and 2014, signed a contract with the club earlier this season having left RKC Waalwijk. Buttner, 33, had enjoyed a bright start to life with De Graafschap having notched a goal and two assists in his first 11 appearances for the club.
He continued that excellent run with an eye-catching strike against Den Bosch on Friday. Having made a run down the left-flank, the ball was delivered to the defender in the 14th minute and he attempted an audacious left-footed effort despite being at least 30 yards out and close to the flank. The ball flew towards goal and over Den Bosch goalkeeper Wouter van der Steen into the back of the net.
Unfortunately, the goal did not count for too much as De Graafschap still managed to find themselves on the losing side following goals from Joey Konings and Victor van den Bogert. Defeat has left them 15th in the Eerste Divisie - the second division of Dutch football.
Buttner will no doubt be aiming to continue adding to his goalscoring account as he attempts to better his new side’s fortunes throughout the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking shortly after penning his three-year deal, he said: “This is the icing on the cake for me. I always thought De Graafschap was a very nice club with fantastic supporters.
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“When Peter [Bijvelds] (De Graafschap manager) called me, I was immediately enthusiastic. I want to be important to the team on and off the field. On the field with attacking impulses, scoring ability and off the field I want to help the young guys.”
The switch represented the latest chapter in what has turned into a journeyman career for the former United man. After leaving Old Trafford in 2014 following an underwhelming spell, he has been on the books of Dinamo Moscow, Anderlecht, Vitesse Arnhem, New England Revolution and Apollon Limassol.
Buttner has always been hugely complimentary of his period as a Red Devil.
Speaking previously, he said: “First and foremost, to become Champions of England as well as winning other trophies during my time at the club was a great success, and the fact that I could play and develop myself alongside the best players in the world has been really important for my career as a professional footballer.
“I had a great teacher in Patrice Evra who helped me a lot, and also the other players who are all of a world-class level. If you can be part of such a team and a squad then you can only become better as a player.
“ Alex Ferguson, together with Rene Meulensteen, a Dutch assistant manager... Alex was one of the best managers of the world and it was very special to play under him. He also brought me from Vitesse Arnhem and that is what makes it extra special and it tells you something as a player if such a manager sees something in you.”
