Ryan Giggs maintains that growing speculation over his imminent replacement by Louis van Gaal has no bearing on his approach to Manchester United’s upcoming game against Sunderland.
The Welshman is currently serving as interim manager in the wake of David Moyes’ departure, and got off to a flying start with a 4-0 trouncing of Norwich City last weekend.
Despite reports that United have entered talks with Van Gaal, with the former World Manager of the Year’s appointment thought to be announced on Wednesday, Giggs is retaining a calm front.
“Nothing has changed,” he said. “It’s [Giggs’ tenure as manager] until the end of the season and we’ll chat when that’s over.
“My main concentration is on Sunderland tomorrow and the remaining two games.”
Giggs is yet to confirm whether he will remain as a player into the next campaign, having experienced both a coaching and managerial role this season.
And while the 40-year-old veteran has scored in every Premier League season to date, he is yet to continue that this term and admits he is unsure over whether to pick himself for the team.
“I’m still training and doing bits and pieces so I’m still in the frame on maybe playing in the remaining games,” he said. “I might not get back into the team!”
United go into their penultimate home game of the season with an encouraging record against the Black Cats, with Sunderland’s last league victory over the Reds back in 1997.
The Old Trafford outfit will also be hoping to exact revenge for this season’s Carling Cup meeting between the two, which United lost 2-1 on penalties after drawing 3-3 over two legs.
However, they may have to be without Wayne Rooney after the England striker picked up a bug which is making its way around Carrington.
“A few of the lads have had a bug,” revealed Giggs. “Wayne has and Anders [Lindegaard] has too. Wayne also has a tight groin.
“You have to be careful with the bug because the immune system is down a bit but Wayne, being Wayne, wants to play. We’ll monitor it over the next 24 hours.”
But while Rooney is a doubt, United receive a boost in the possible inclusion of Robin van Persie, who may feature after being out with a knee injury since mid-March.
“Robin has been back training this week and has looked good,” said Giggs. “Whether tomorrow is too early, we’ll just have to see how he goes today. He has looked really good this week.”
Sunderland could provide a stern test for United – four points from recent away games at Chelsea and Manchester City will reinforce the belief they can record a first league win at Old Trafford since 1968.
If any further motivation was needed, the Black Cats are also fighting relegation and sit on even points with 18th-placed Norwich but with a game in hand.
Main image courtesy of Jason Cairnduff/Action Images, with thanks.
