Fergie hints at Giggs coaching future

ALEX FERGUSON has welcomed Ryan Giggs’ enrolment on a key coaching course and indicated he could have a future role to play at Manchester United.

Giggs is due to start studying for his UEFA ‘A’ licence under the control of the FA of Wales in Aberystwyth in June.

At 34, Giggs is United’s most-decorated player and he marked his 100th Champions League appearance by helping the club to a 1-1 draw in Lyon in midweek.

He suffered a knock in that first leg match but is expected to recover in time for today’s Premier League trip to Newcastle.

United boss Ferguson said: “Ryan is 34 now and with all players who have had long careers, they start thinking about what they are going to do when they finish.

“Players like Ryan, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes will follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure of that.

“It is something we will be looking at in terms of a future with us in relation to a position at the club in some shape or form because they have been fantastic examples.”

Ferguson is convinced his side can close the five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the table – but only if they stay at the top of their game.

He said: “We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups now.

“We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us. We know some points will be dropped, and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that.

“The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy but we have come from behind before.

“In 1993, we were well behind in November but eight points clear at the finishing line.”

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in March 1996 in his first spell in charge at St James’ Park.

That was when the wheels were coming of their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle’s fortunes again — and Ferguson feels he has a difficult job.

“It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin’s problem,” said the Old Trafford boss.

“He has not really had time to get those in he wanted. He’s had to rely on the players he’s got.”