Ryan Giggs has waxed lyrical about an “amazing” figure that he crossed paths with during his legendary career at Manchester United and even after it.
A ‘Class of ‘92’ success story, the 51-year-old Manchester United legend rose to prominence as a standout player in the Premier League club’s youth academy.
Ryan Giggs established himself in the United first team under legendary former manager Sir Alex Ferguson and enjoyed an incredible run at Old Trafford.
The former United winger spent the large majority of his career under Sir Alex Ferguson and went on to become the Red Devils’ record appearance-maker.
During his prolific spell at Old Trafford, Giggs lifted 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League trophies, four FA Cups and four League Cups.
Giggs became a player-coach at United after Ferguson retired and was later appointed interim player-manager after David Moyes was axed in 2014.
The ex-United and Wales star, who is one of the best Premier League players of all time, called it time on his remarkable playing career in 2014.
Giggs’ full praise of Barcelona legend
Ryan Giggs has been working as director of football at Salford City since 2024 and the Manchester United legend has often been spotted in the Ammies’ dugout.
Salford City were in action in the FA Cup on the weekend and the Ammies suffered a crushing 8-0 defeat at the hands of Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
Giggs is all too familiar with Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, having crossed paths with the Barcelona legend as a player and the Spaniard’s time as a coach.
The United legend witnessed the success of Pep Guardiola after Sir Alex Ferguson’s men lost twice in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals against Barcelona.
Giggs insisted that the 53-year-old former Bayern Munich and Barcelona manager is one of the “all-time” managers and praised him as a player as well.
Speaking ahead of Salford City’s defeat, he told the Manchester Evening News: “I know Pep.
“Coming against him as a player, he was a brilliant player, and what he’s done at City and what he’s done at Barcelona and Bayern is amazing.
“He’s one of the all-time great managers and amazing what he’s done in the game and got nothing but respect for Pep.”
Giggs on his ‘most nervous’ experience
Giggs, who has flirted with the idea of returning to management, recalled his experience when he made his full United debut against City and his feelings at the time.
“My full debut was against City, that was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been on a football pitch,” he admitted.
“Then over the years you’ve seen the transformation of City, the money coming in, and it went just from a derby to actually two teams at the top of the table going for the championship.
“So, it evolved over the years, but, growing up in the area, it’s always been a big game for me.”
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/ONWB6Zw