Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has been appointed to the team’s coaching staff for the forthcoming season.
The news represents a continuing shake-up of the United backroom staff since David Moyes’ arrival.
Giggs said it is a great privilege to be appointed a player coach.
“I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long,” he told the official club website.
United have a long standing tradition of bringing players into backroom roles and, in Giggs, Moyes has a way to ease the squad’s transition into a new era.
The Welsh Wizard made his first-team debut in 1990 and has eclipsed Sir Bobby Charlton’s appearance record by turning out for Red Devils 941 times.
Last season Giggs extended his extraordinary service to the club by signing a one-year contract.
However, it has long been expected that he would turn to coaching when his playing career was over.
Having been linked with the vacant manager’s job after Sir Alex’s retirement, Giggs has finally taken his first venture into the coaching world.
“It’s no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to working alongside David and the team.”
David Moyes has welcomed Giggs into the backroom setup.
“I’m delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player/coach,” he said.
“His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game.
“His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I’m sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role,” the Scot added.
Picture courtesy of WikiCommons, with thanks.
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