Former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Ryan Giggs to be a successful manager at the club, but concedes that it would be a gamble.
While the Red Devils have insisted this week that Louis van Gaal’s position is not under threat, the Dutch tactician has faced significant criticism through the course of the season thus far.
With on-going speculation about the possible arrival of Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford, it appears as though the club may well be readying an alternative plan in case things don’t improve on a consistent basis.
Giggs has also been linked with a future role as manager after Van Gaal steps away, and Ferdinand is of the opinion that the Welshman understands the club better than anyone but he remains a risky choice.
“Jose Mourinho’s name is getting mentioned. If you want someone whose got a career track record in winning in the Premier League and various other countries, then he’s that guy,” Ferdinand told NDTV, as reported by ESPN FC.
“But if you want someone who understands the philosophy, whose respectful of the philosophy, who identifies with the fans, knows the place inside out, who’s going to be a bigger risk, then Ryan Giggs is that guy.”
The former England international won six Premier League titles during a 12-year spell with United, and has conceded that he expected them to be more successful after Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure.
While he sympathised with Van Gaal with regards to not winning all the time, he noted that the style of play is the biggest issue as United haven’t performed well enough to ensure that the supporters remain behind them despite the disappointing results.
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