Old Trafford saw the atmosphere re-grasped, the noise was electric and the fans sung Ryan Giggs name in volumes during a convincing 4-0 victory over strugglers Norwich City on Saturday.
The response was going to be inevitable. The fans love Giggs and so do the players. This was evident in the style of play in the second half which saw plenty of passion, short passing and undisputable pace on the wings. Wayne Rooney led the line, Juan Mata looked confident whilst the defence looked sturdier with the experience of Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra in the four.
Will Giggs have enough to beat van Gaal to the post?
Although Giggs has only one game under his belt, around two-thirds of Manchester United fans have already voted alongside Wayne Rooney for the Welshman to take the job permanently. Giggs has had less than twelve months coaching experience and has managed only ninety minutes worth of football but there are many who are convinced he is the right man after delivering his promise of injecting some life into the side.
David Moyes seemingly attempted to change United's style and attitude which saw him lose the dressing room and many games that they shouldn't have. Giggs reaped the cheers and his enthusiasm gleamed in front of the seventy-six thousand where he is usually seen as a utility midfielder, Old Trafford seemed united again for the first time in ten months. All signs of Moyes had been removed, along with ‘The Chosen One’ banner.
With Louis van Gaal running the headlines with apparent discussions happening between the Dutchman and the Glazers, there is concern the owners will yet again fail to continue with the trend set by Sir Alex Ferguson. Van Gaal is expected to do a sterling job should he arrive. He is intimidating; powerful in his opinion and his curriculum vitae is unquestionably one of the best. There is a problem should his appointment go through. Firstly, the current Dutch coach will only be a short term option due to his age, secondly, he won't actually arrive until after the World Cup finishes in July and finally Ryan Giggs doesn't seem to be part of the picture as van Gaal would invite Patrick Kluivert to be his assistant.
Giggs advantages and disadvantages...
Giggs has the United air forever in his lungs and understands the philosophy at Old Trafford which David Moyes failed to grasp. He would bring in a majority of the Class of 92 to be his assistants who would lure in the fans belief due to the vast experience of 2,453 games and the 61 medals Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers, Gary and Phil share. The major worry that floods the concerns of the owner’s aside the lack of managerial experience Giggs poses is the trust they would have when handing over £200 million for transfer dealings.
Van Gaal has many connections across Europe but despite United's lackluster league position and no involvement in next season's UEFA Champions League, the appeal of the old guard combining their ideas may be equal to what van Gaal could offer. Either way, the team needs rebuilding and restructuring and the players brought in will need to fit in the mould within an instant. Alex Ferguson was sat next to Marco Reus and Toni Kroos agent at Old Trafford against Norwich City which concurs with the appeal the Red Devils still have. Should these new names sign a contract with the club and should Giggs become the permanent choice, the 40-year-old will be expected to quickly enhance his tactical awareness with new arrivals and bring back United's exuberant fear factor which was a huge part of Ferguson's organisation.
Will the fans and players support persuade the owners?
Giggs is a godsend in the eyes of the fans; they respect him and wing in the support for a man who has shared every success with them over the past two decades. Ferguson realised he made an error choosing David Moyes by giving Giggs his support which will undoubtedly see him mentor his former winger by molding him into a younger version of himself. Giggs already poses the mentality imposed during Ferguson's tenure but his predecessor could offer further support which could polish Giggs character as a manager.
Even if Giggs loses the next three games as the man in charge he will be given far more time by the players and fans. They believe they will never again experience the devastation of the David Moyes era should Giggs and co take charge. Convincing the owners will prove a shrewd analysis but should Giggs prove successful from now until the end of the season he will have every chance up against van Gaal and other contenders and could become a long term option like Ferguson was. One thing is for sure is that Giggs would have no problem stepping up to the plate, stamping his own style on the team and attempting to prolong his legendary status in a suit rather than in a Manchester United kit.
