Ryan Giggs reveals Louis van Gaal's plan for him to take over at Manchester United

Giggs served as an assistant coach to Van Gaal before he was sacked in May 2016 – two years into his three-year contract

Alan O'Brien
Monday 18 February 2019 07:56 EST
Comments
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Scholes has been appointed manager of Oldham Athletic

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Louis van Gaal urged Manchester United's hierarchy to appoint Ryan Giggs as manager once the Dutchman’s contract had expired at Old Trafford, according to the Wales boss.

Giggs served as an assistant coach to Van Gaal before he was sacked in May 2016 – two years into his three-year contract.

The Welshman quickly followed his old boss out of the door at Old Trafford, despite calls to take on the United job.

Now, Giggs has revealed that Van Gaal wanted to see the former United midfielder succeed him at the Premier League side. But he insists no promises were ever made to him.

Giggs told the Guardian: “No, it was more Louis [van Gaal] who said it. You know how Louis is. He told Ed Woodward [United’s executive vice-chairman]: ‘I will be manager for three years and then Ryan will take over.’

“Typical Louis. No one else made me any promises. I didn’t think I was ready when I finished playing but, after working with Louis, I felt more than prepared.

“I know it didn’t work out for United but Louis was brilliant for me because he is a teacher.’

Giggs took the Wales job in 2018, replacing Chris Coleman having left United two years prior.

The former United winger won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League trophies during his time at Old Trafford.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in