Dutch coach Louis van Gaal may be the favourite to become Manchester United manager but a steady stream of support appears to be urging the Old Trafford hierarchy to look a little closer to home.
Van Gaal is widely to be named as the Reds new boss early next week but interim player-manager Ryan Giggs appears to be the choice of current and former players to take the role on a permanent basis.
The United legend took over from David Moyes following the Scotsman’s sacking last month and got off to a flying start in his first game in charge – thrashing Norwich 4-0 at Old Trafford.
There is a groundswell of support from current and ex-players for Giggs to be appointed full-time boss, with Michael Carrick believing United’s record appearance maker is a natural manager.
“It’s not an easy thing stepping up from the dressing room like that,” Carrick told the Daily Telegraph.
“He’s just naturally made that transition.
“It speaks volumes for the respect he’s got that there’s not been much banter, he’s not taken any stick.
“It’s gone great so far – he’s been terrific since he took over.”
As well as the current crop of players, there has been a significant amount of support from Giggs’ former United teammates.
Wes Brown, who played with Giggs for 14 years including claiming the Treble in 1999, believes the Welshman has done a brilliant job to get the United players up for it.
“I watched his first game and United played really well,” Brown told the Sunderland website.
“I have always thought Ryan would eventually manage a team.
“I am sure he is thriving on it and looking forward to the next few games ahead.”
Louis Saha, who spent four years at Old Trafford, says whether United appoint Giggs or not it is critical they do not damage the spirit of the ‘class of 92’ – including coaches Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Phil Neville.
“If you lose those kind of players and that kind of spirit that would be a shame,” Saha told the BBC.
“This is the spirit of Manchester United.”
Giggs and United take on Sunderland at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Main image courtesy of BBC via YouTube, with thanks.
