Jamie Ireland
The last of Manchester United’s ‘Class of 92’ members has hung up his boots, Ryan Giggs ended his playing career in order to take up his new role as assistant manager.
On the day United named Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal as their new manager, it was also announced that Giggs would retire from the game and become a permanent member of the coaching staff.
This brings to an end an unbelievable playing career in which the Welshman made a record 963 appearances for the club and amassed 34 trophies over his 24 years of service.
Following the sacking of David Moyes in April, Giggs was named interim manager for the remaining four Premier League games in which he lost only one.
For a while it was unknown whether van Gaal would offer Giggs a position in his backroom staff, but now that he is on board, the Dutchman has the perfect number two.
The former Barcelona and Bayern manager is known for his dictator-like style of management and some former players have likened him to a school principal.
I could see this causing problems with some players, but in Giggs, van Gaal has an established, friendly face to help get his message through to the players.
This is not only good for the incoming manager, but once again Giggs has the opportunity to work with one of football’s most successful managers.
There is no doubt the influence of Ferguson and van Gaal will help groom the Welshman for the manager’s chair at Old Trafford in the future.
Here’s is arguably Gigg’s greatest moment.
