Former Manchester United striker believes Ryan would be successful as manager.
Manchester United could soon be in search of a new manager, and Andy Cole has faith in Ryan Giggs’ ability to be Louis van Gaal’s successor.
Numerous reports have suggested the former Red Devils winger could be in line to inherit the throne after the Dutchman leaves. There is, however, ongoing speculation that Jose Mourinho is the favorite to land the position.
Giggs is clearly the more favorable candidate in terms of an emotional hiring, given his longstanding tenure with the club from academy product to assistant manager. The current manager also gave his full support to his right hand man, though supporters may take that reference with skepticism given Van Gaal’s own limited success.
Speaking to The Fantasy Football Club, Cole commented on the prospect of his former teammate managing Manchester United:
"“If Giggsy gets the opportunity it would be brilliant. I know everyone has said it’s going to be hard for him. Of course it’s going to be hard, it’s Manchester United.” “They are so used to winning things. They have been at the top of the league, progressing in Europe, winning the Premier League and constantly winning."
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"“But I do believe – given the chance – he would do well. It’s going to take time, it would take time for any manager at that football club but given the job, I think he would do a great job.”"
Sir Alex Ferguson left huge shoes to fill when he retired a few years ago, and two consecutive managers have attempted and failed in continuing his dominance.
To that point, both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal had extensive experience before taking the helm at Manchester United, something Ryan Giggs has yet to attain. Much of his managerial career has been spent as an assistant, though he handled four matches as player-manager after Moyes was sacked.
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So yes, Cole is correct in saying it would be difficult because of the nature of expectations at the club, but it would surely be harder for the Welshman.
The main criteria Giggs brings to the table that other candidates lack is his relationship with the current players. He spent the end of his career playing alongside many of the current squad members and continues to partake in training exercises – hard to imagine Jose Mourinho doing something similar. He also has had a firsthand view of what it means to play and coach for the Red Devils.
But past laurels and relationships with the players can only take you so far. The pressure to win will disallow any leniency towards the next manager in charge, each decision the subject of intense scrutiny.
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It’s rare that a manager can leave a club after failing to return later in his career, making it likely that Giggs only has one chance to lead the club. It would be better to hire a seasoned coach while the former no. 11 learns the trade elsewhere.