Louis van Gaal to offer Ryan Giggs senior Manchester United coaching role
• Doubts over Patrick Kluivert means Welshman could be No2
• Interim manager set to select himself for squad against Hull
Jamie Jackson
Louis van Gaal is set to offer
Ryan Giggs a senior position on his coaching staff when the Dutchman becomes the new permanent
Manchester United manager.
With there being doubt over whether Patrick Kluivert, one of Van Gaal's assistants as Holland manager, joins the 62-year-old at Old Trafford when he becomes David Moyes's successor, Giggs will have the opportunity to be, in effect, the No2 on the club's new management team. Although Kluivert has never had this role when working with Van Gaal – Danny Blind occupies it for the Netherlands – the former Barcelona striker was thought to be in the running to do so at United.
Yet Van Gaal has now decided he wants Giggs. While Van Gaal's appointment continues to be expected this week, the Welshman had been minded to turn down any role offered on the Dutchman's staff if it was junior or token, so he appears likely to accept what will be a high ranking position.
If Giggs does accept this will ensure his long association with United – he is in a 23rd season in the first-team squad – continues next term, even if the 40-year-old does not play on.
Giggs is set to select himself in United's squad for Tuesday evening's visit of Hull City in what could be a last chance to play at Old Trafford and say farewell.
As the most decorated player in United's history and a firm favourite both he and supporters want the opportunity to have a fitting on-field farewell, in case this does prove his final campaign.
Giggs has scored in every season since the Premier League began in 1992 except the current one, though this is not a priority.
He said: "I want to do what's best to win the game and not just make room for me in the starting line-up or on the bench, which I won't do. Of course, the perfect scenario is me coming on and scoring a goal, the winning goal, and hopefully everyone will be happy but it doesn't always work like that. We'll have to wait and see what happens on the night."