Giggs prepared for coaching role

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has suggested this season could be part of his transition into life after football as he looks to adopt a coaching role at Old Trafford.

Giggs, 39, is preparing to enter his 22nd season in the Premier League, which may be his last.

The former Wales international admits his continued passion for football has prevented his retirement thus far, but Giggs appears ready to move on as he continues to study his coaching badges in Europe and take a back seat role under David Moyes.

"Crazy, aren't I?" the 39-year-old said. "I'm enjoying it just as much as I did 20 years ago. It's as simple as that. Every year is a bonus to me. Take last year: winning the league, that feeling you have after the hard work you put in. Winning that trophy makes it all worthwhile.

"I am excited about it [coaching] personally and it has worked well so far. But it is about getting the balancing act right because I am still playing. There is not a big emphasis on coaching at the moment.

"The manager likes to coach and there is Jim Lumsden, Steve Round and Phil Neville. It is more looking behind the scenes and seeing how everything works.

"It is completely different from playing. Even though I have been playing for 20-odd years, I am seeing the other side of it; how you prepare for games. Some things I knew, others I didn't. It has been a real education."

Giggs is currently in Australia for United's pre-season match against the A-League All Stars on Saturday and he insists his team-mates are slowly adjusting to the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

"It is strange for someone like myself, who has known him for so long," he said. "It's different, but you just get on with it. It is important to look forward, not back. This is the start of the journey this season and I hope to be lifting a trophy again at the end of it."