Giggs at ease with United expectation
A lot has changed since the Welshman thrillingly slalomed his way beyond several Arsenal defenders at Villa Park to settle a dramatic FA Cup semi-final, reaffirming United’s belief 1999 would be their year as they went on to secure the treble.
As United’s unprecedented run of success showed no signs of abating, Giggs must have fully expected to end his career challenging for yet more trophies to add to the 13 Premier Leagues, four FA Cups, four League Cups, two Champions Leagues, one Uefa Super Cup and one Club World Cup already in his locker.
But there will be no silverware, or even the chance of a top-four finish, when he takes charge for the first time against Norwich this weekend after David Moyes’ hellish experience as Alex Ferguson’s successor was ended.
At face value, the 40-year-old, who has made 962 appearances for United, has little to gain. He is only in charge until a permanent appointment is made, with Louis van Gaal the early favourite, and he takes control of a squad low on confidence and chronically lacking in key positions.
There will be question marks over whether Giggs is the right man to take the reins. He has no managerial experience and the practice of clubs promoting great players into management has not always worked. For every Pep Guardiola or Kenny Dalglish there has been an Alan Shearer.
But Giggs, who was said not to have enjoyed the easiest of relationship with Moyes, has something on his side the Scot did not: a knowledge and understanding of what it means to represent United.
For all his impressive work at Everton, Moyes ended up looking like a man spooked by the scrutiny and focus that comes with managing a club of United’s global stature.
Giggs has spent a sporting lifetime in that environment, he is at ease with the expectation placed on everyone who sports the club crest.
He spent 23 years working under the tutelage of Ferguson — the greatest manager the British game has ever seen — and came through the ranks with the rest of the Class of 92, arguably the finest group of young players produced since the Busby Babes.
His status at Old Trafford is guaranteed and there will be no lack of respect for him from players, staff and supporters. He carries an aura based on almost a quarter of a century of footballing excellence and his dedication to the United cause has been extraordinary, given a player of the winger’s abilities was not short of suitors desperate to take him away from his spiritual home.
Giggs has also worked diligently completing his coaching badges and there are those at United and the Football Association of Wales who have long identified him as a man to lead their respective sides in the long term.
His professionalism has seen him extend his playing career into his 40s, held up as a role model for young players, and further endeared him to his mentor Ferguson.
Recently Giggs was among the United heroes featured in the acclaimed Class of 92 documentary, where a section is devoted to his wonder goal against Arsenal.
When summing up his most memorable of strikes, former United defender turned TV pundit Gary Neville said of players of Giggs calibre: “As a defender, you look at those lads differently because they produce the biggest moments at the best time when you need them.”
United have never needed Giggs like they need him now and, while he may not be The Chosen One, he is undoubtedly the right choice.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
