Manchester United legend Bryan Robson has tipped Ryan Giggs to be the next Pep Guardiola at the English club.
Giggs, 42, is the current assistant manager of the Red Devils and is widely seen as Luis Van Gaal’s replacement should they fail to sign Jose Mourinho. The English club has been struggling to rediscover their previous form that made them almost invisible in all major tournaments in Europe. Since the departure of their legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, the Red Devils have been reduced to a pale shadow of their former self. This season alone, they have already been bundled out of the Champions League, the Capital One Cup, and are unlikely candidates for the Premier League title.
Despite missing the services of Pep Guardiola, who chose their cross-town rivals Manchester City, Robson believes that Giggs has the potential to restore the sleeping giants to their previous glory.
In an interview with The Sun, he said;
''Ryan really can be the Pep Guardiola of United, I am sure of it. Yes, he’s a quiet lad but that should make no difference.
''He has always been a deep thinker on the game. He’s worked hard to get to this point. They talk about Guardiola being intelligent and having a great football brain.
''Ryan is no different. He just needs the chance to prove what he can do — once Louis van Gaal goes.
“There should be no knee-jerk reaction, no panic.
“Guardiola has a great record but United should not be reacting to what happens at City.
“United should carry on what was started when Van Gaal arrived.
“It was always said that during Van Gaal’s time as manager Ryan would learn under him, get his pro-licence and be ready for the job.
He added:
“That should still be the case.
“People say Ryan hasn’t got the experience. But he watched how Sir Alex Ferguson worked for 26 years and he’s watching Van Gaal go about things now
“He represents Manchester United’s soul. He has been at the club since he was 13 and knows what is expected.
“The owners will make their decision and, in terms of Mourinho, I know there have been rumours flying around.
“But there is no stand-out person who could do the job any better than Ryan.
“Remember, Guardiola was untried as a top- line manager before Barcelona decided to give him his chance.
“The only way we are going to know if Giggsy can do the job is for him to be given it.”
The 59-year-old joined Man United from West Bromwich Albion for a British record transfer fee of £1.5 million on October 1, 1981. He made 461 appearances for the Red Devils and scored 99 goals.
Match details, result and original broadcast info
This match has ended. Below are the original Live broadcast details for this match.
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Live TV coverage and streaming in United States
Follow the game on-the-go
Download our iOS and Android apps to follow soccer on-the-go. It comes packed with features - live scores, fixtures, results, tables, line-ups, stats, TV schedule and much more! Sorry, no live streaming within the app.
