Ryan Giggs is reportedly set to be offered the position as Manchester United Under-21 coach as Jose Mourinho closes in on the top job at Old Trafford.
The Welshman’s future at the club has been brought into doubt since the decision was taken to sack Louis van Gaal on Monday, with Giggs working as his assistant manager during their two years together.
It has widely been acknowledged that United are preparing the former winger for the top job, but with Mourinho’s imminent arrival, as noted by Sky Sports, it appears as though that wait will go on.
There is an argument to suggest that the 42-year-old would benefit from leaving the club this summer and gaining experience elsewhere, but he’ll have a choice to make as The Sun have claimed that United will offer him the Under-21 position.
Mourinho is understood to have made it clear that he wants Giggs has part of his coaching staff, but whether or not the United legend will be content with what is ultimately a demotion remains to be seen.
The switch to U21 coach would arguably give Giggs more influence and experience than what his current position has, but perhaps he’d be better served taking a top job at a different club in order to deal with the pressure and expectations at the highest level.
Much will obviously depend on if those type of offers even arrive for Giggs this summer, which in turn could force his hand and concede that the U21 role is the next best step forward for his career.
It’s worked well for others around Europe including the likes of Pep Guardiola, Luis Enrique and Zinedine Zidane who have been in charge of B sides at Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively before being promoted, and so Giggs could see an obvious line of progression if he chooses to stay.