Fergie backs Giggs as manager

Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs. Credit: Nick Potts/PA Wire/Press Association Images

By Paul Hirst

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Ryan Giggs to become the next permanent manager of Manchester United.

Giggs was placed in temporary charge of the club following the sacking of David Moyes on Tuesday.

And Ferguson, who worked with Giggs for over two decades at United, thinks the Welshman will do a fine job at the helm.

Giggs is not thought to be in the running to replace Moyes as some senior figures believe he is too inexperienced.

But Ferguson, a director on the board that will decide the identity of the new manager, appeared to throw his weight behind the Welshman, and the 'Class of '92' players he has taken on his coaching staff.

"I think that he [Giggs] is the one man they should go to really," Ferguson said at a charity dinner, according to the Daily Telegraph.

"He's got 20-odd years of experience at Manchester United.

"I signed him as a kid at 13 years of age.

"He's gone through the gamut of emotions at the club - he's experienced all the highs and lows.

"He knows exactly what's needed to be a Manchester United player and I was so pleased he brought Paul Scholes back in, and Nicky Butt of course - two great professionals.

"They understand the club, they are hard workers, they are straight as a die. So you have got the right combinations there, there's no doubt about that."

Giggs wants to prove over the next few weeks that he is good enough to one day take on the huge challenge of becoming full-time United manager.

The first game of Giggs' four-match spell in charge of United comes on Saturday when Norwich visit Old Trafford.

Giggs said if all goes to plan, United fans will be treated to the same kind of football they enjoyed during his heyday as a player - an entertaining high-tempo game of attacking football and clinical finishing.

If it comes off, calls will increase for Giggs to be named as full-time successor to Moyes, who was axed just 10 months into a six-year contract.

Giggs, who has been taking his UEFA Pro-License exams, knows how he performs over the next few weeks will have a big bearing on United's view of whether he can do the job in the future.

"I've got a chance to show what I can do and what I am capable of as a manager in a short space of time," Giggs said.

The United board rate Giggs highly. The way the Welshman conducted himself in his first press conference at Carrington on Friday is understood to have gone down well with senior figures at the club too.

But for now, they are considering a more experienced replacement for Moyes. Someone like Louis van Gaal or Carlo Ancelotti.