Beckham: Giggs is perfect no.2

May 22, 2014
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from Mark Froggatt, ManUtd.com
David Beckham is confident Ryan Giggs will excel in his new role as Louis van Gaal’s assistant, though the United and England legend admits he was shocked by his former team-mate’s retirement.    
 
The 40-year-old Welshman called time on his glittering playing career on Monday to become van Gaal’s no.2 at Old Trafford, bowing out of the professional game with 963 Reds appearances and 34 honours to his name.  
 
Despite all of these achievements, Beckham insists he was caught off-guard by Giggs' announcement and had fully expected his fellow ‘Class of 92’ graduate to play on for one more season. Alas, it wasn’t to be and the Treble winner is excited for the next chapter. 
 
Post by RyanGiggs.cc.
 
“I'm surprised he's retired because he was still playing great,” David told Sky Sports. “Physically he's still in great condition, to play for so many years at the top level you have to be. Now he has a new role at the club and it was great to see him walk out as Manchester United manager for those four games.
 
“When you've got someone like Giggsy, who all the players respect and all the fans love, it makes a huge difference. His role now has totally changed and I'm sure he will find it an easy transition because he takes things in his stride. 
 
"Ryan's not affected by anything. He knows the club better than most people who are at Manchester United now.”
 
Giggs called on the help of Reds legends Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville during his four-match reign as interim manager and Beckham hopes to see all three used in some capacity under new boss van Gaal. 
 
“It will be great to see if Scholesy, Butty and Phil can be involved,” added the former England captain. “When I saw them all sat on the bench it was an amazing sight and it was one that made me emotional - I've spent my whole career with these lads.”
 
When asked if he wanted to be sat alongside his former team-mates in the dugout, Beckham added: “Of course I did, I was proud to see that image.”
  • Related keywords: Ryan Giggs, Manchester United, Louis van Gaal, David Beckham