Report: Sir Alex Ferguson would step in to help Ryan Giggs if Louis van Gaal goes
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Updated 17/01/2016 at 11:45 GMT
A report in the Sunday papers suggests Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to take on a more hands-on approach at Manchester United and help Ryan Giggs if Louis van Gaal loses his job.
Sir Alex Ferguson in converstaion with Sir Michael Moritz, Co-authors of Leading: Learning from Life and My Years at Manchester United
Image credit: AFP
Van Gaal is under huge pressure going into Sunday’s big derby match against Liverpool with United currently sixth in the table, one point behind West Ham, who have played a game more.
Reports linking Jose Mourinho with a move to Old Trafford have died down and if Van Gaal is given the boot by Ed Woodward, it seems likely that Giggs would assume control, at least temporarily.
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Ryan Giggs Alex Ferguson Manchester United
Image credit: AFP
And the Sunday People reports that if that scenario comes to pass, Ferguson will be on hand to give his former apprentice the support he needs.
The paper reports:
Although the now 74-year-old Ferguson, who retired as Manchester United's manager in 2013, has no desire to return to the dugout, Sunday People Sport understands he WOULD be prepared to take a hands-on role behind the scenes to help fellow club legend Giggs, currently Van Gaal's No 2, navigate the remainder of the season if the Welshman was given the reigns. Since having a hand in the appointment of David Moyes once he decided to step down, Ferguson has effectively been excluded from any of the key strategic decisions taken by the club.
Ferguson is a United ambassador and is often spotted in the directors’ box at Old Trafford.
Van Gaal was said to have two games to save his job before Boxing Day, with United subsequently losing 2-0 at Stoke and drawing 0-0 at home to Chelsea.
Back-to-back wins over Swansea in the league and Sheffield United in the FA Cup brought some respite - even if performances were not up to scratch - but a 3-3 draw against Newcastle on Tuesday increased the scrutiny on the Dutchman.
Our view
The most interesting aspect of this story is, potentially, where it emanates from. Certainly the prospect of Van Gaal leaving and Giggs taking over would be more palatable to supporters if it meant a return for Fergie too, albeit not in a formal coaching role. This is one to watch.
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