With the news that Louis van Gaal is set to be replaced by Jose Mourinho as United manager, the question his what does that mean for van Gaal’s heir apparent Ryan Giggs?
It was Giggs who was in the technical area during the second half of the Norwich match, and it was telling that at full-time that Giggs was one of the first ones down the touchline and down the tunnel, not waiting to witness the dissent he knew was about to roll down the Stretford End in the direction of the United manager.
What Giggs witnessed from the sidelines on Saturday was not Manchester United football, When he briefly took over as interim manager after David Moyes was sacked in April 2014, Giggs’ first act was to gather the United players together and tell them that a return to traditional principles of attacking play was called for.
One can only imagine, therefore, what runs through his mind these days. United’s football, in terms of the team’s strategies and philosophies, have got worse since Moyes’ time, not better.
It was always hoped by the United board that Van Gaal would move the club forward during his three-year contract and then hand control to an older, wiser and more educated Giggs.
Things don’t always go to plan in football, however, and United are now faced with a decision about whether to simply bring the whole process forward or bring in Jose Mourinho to ensure that the club returns to Champions League football next season.
The big question for Giggs is after having already worked for two different men at United, would he be willing to work for another, especially one not known for the attacking style of football that Giggs prefers?
The best long-term approach for United would be to hire Giggs and let him grown into the role. But with Guardiola about to arrive at City, United cannot afford to be patience with Giggs. They need immediate results which is why I think Mourinho will take over from van Gaal and not Giggs.
And where does that leave Giggsy? That Swansea job suddenly looks very appealing. And who knows then 2-3 years down the road after Mourinho burns out at Old Trafford, maybe that would be the perfect time for a more experienced Ryan Gigs to finally become United manager?
