Ryan Giggs will tell incoming Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal that he wants to continue his playing career at Old Trafford for another season.
Giggs, who was placed in charge of first-team affairs in the wake of David Moyes’ sacking last month, brought himself onto the pitch for the last 20 minutes of United’s 3-1 victory over Hull City on Tuesday evening for what many believed would prove his final playing appearance at Old Trafford.
But the 40-year-old still feels physically capable of handling the rigours of Premier League football and the consensus at Carrington is that there is no reason why he cannot combine playing and coaching again next term.
Van Gaal is set to be announced as United manager next week and the long-term future of Giggs at the club remains uncertain, with the precise make-up of the Dutchman’s backroom team yet to be revealed.
United are keen to retain the services of the club’s all-time leading appearance maker but the final decision over whether Giggs is on the coaching staff – and in the first-team squad – next season will belong to Van Gaal.
Netherlands assistant Patrick Kluivert will not accompany Van Gaal to Old Trafford after this summer’s World Cup, paving the way for Giggs to be offered the assistant manager’s role.
Since assuming managerial responsibility in the wake of Moyes’ departure, Giggs has led United to comprehensive home victories over Norwich City and Hull City, while suffering a shock defeat to Sunderland.
At his unveiling as interim boss, Giggs joked: “I’ve just given myself a five-year contract [to play on]! I’m using my power while I can.”
Source: Goal