He was fantasic against Tottenham on Monday, but he has been the fire in the heart of the Toon midfield all campaign.
What an amazing transformation after his first season on Tyneside.
He took time to adapt to life away from Old Trafford. So much so, the Magpies loaned him to Birmingham City and he would have signed for them if they hadn't been relegated that season.
He is back, and looking every bit the player that one so many honours with the Red Devils.
But there is a threat of suspension hanging over his head as we face Reading on Saturday.
Alan Smith is happy to get his suspension out of the way, but Butt, is now under threat as he goes to Reading just one booking away from an automatic one-match ban.
The ex-Manchester United midfielder has played every minute of every Premier League match so far this season for United.