Ryan Giggs and his tryst with Manchester United

2014-15 marked the first EPL season when Giggs would not make an appaearance for Manchester United

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There are very few players to be born with the ideology – “Cut me open and I will bleed Red”. One of them is the marauder of the left flank, Ryan Wilson Giggs. Feared by the Blues and loved by the Reds for over 26 Years, he used to leave defenders with twisted feet whenever he timed his run.

The mere thought of him running with the ball at his feet used to give nightmares to anyone facing him. That goal against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final replay in 99’ bears testimony to this fact. A misplaced pass from Viera and Giggsy runs with the ball across the entire Gunners defense to hit the top of the net.

He has done that time and again in his playing days. Ferguson has always turned to his most trusted general to marshal the troops in case of any catastrophe.

It was last season when he was appointed player-coach as part of the coaching staff under the new manager David Moyes. It was after 10 months he got his first managerial experience after he took over as interim player-manager for the last 4 games.

The lurking axe fell on The Chosen One and it was on Manchester United’s favourite son to fulfil his duties to the crest he served. 2 Wins, 1 Draw and 1 loss in his 4 games does not cut out a sorry figure for him.

But the questions that arise are “Is Giggs ready to play against the big boys of the Premier league?” “Can he marshal his troops against the likes of Mourinho, Wenger and Pellegrini?” “Can he deliver on a cold winter night against Stoke?”.

Managing Manchester United is no child’s play. The sleepless nights, the expectations and the pressure with the job can drive a person to the brink on insanity.

Let us look at another of Ferguson’s famous recruits, Ole Gunner Solskjaer. He was described by Sir Alex to be cut out with the coaching material. He even proved it by delivering the Tippeligaen to FK Molde in Norway for 2 consecutive seasons. He then made his big jump to the Premier League with Cardiff City. A forgettable season and Cardiff gets relegated to the Championship. Nothing to take away for Solskjaer but the pressure to deliver in the most competitive league in the world can be gruesome.

However, having played under the greatest British manager for 25 years, there is no shortage of experience for Giggs. Getting a taste of the pressure last season must have been an eye opener for him.

Currently serving as an assistant manager under Louis Van Gaal will help him nurture his managerial skills and get ready to take his place in the dugout when the time arrives.

Even Van Gaal has made his intentions known – He expects Ryan Giggs to succeed him as the manager at Old Trafford.

Seeing Manchester United’s favourite son lead the Red Devils out of the tunnel at the theatre of dreams will be heavenly. Standing in front of the Stretford end and hearing the fans singing “Giggs will tear you apart (again)”.

The mere thought of this sight gives me goosebumps.

Only time will tell if Giggs is given the opportunity to manage Manchester United in the future.