Meulensteen: Ryan Giggs and Middlesbrough 'sounds like a good fit'

May 16, 2017
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from Gazette Live
Ryan Giggs would be "very keen" on taking charge of Boro this summer, according to ex-Manchester United assistant manager René Meulensteen.
 
And the Dutchman believes Boro and the Welshman "sounds like a good fit".
 
Giggs is still searching for his first full-time managerial role since leaving Manchester United last season following the departure of Louis van Gaal.
 
He was understood to be in the reckoning for the Swansea job in January after Bob Bradley was sacked, but ended up missing out to Paul Clement - who has since done a superb job to guide the Swans to safety.
 
The odds on Giggs to be named Boro manager in the summer have plummeted in recent days , with the former left-winger now as short as 5/6 favourite to get the job.
 
And Meulensteen, Sir Alex Ferguson's former number two, believes it would be a move that made sense for both parties.
 
"I'm sure he would be very keen because he's ready and he wants to be a manager," he told 5Live Sport.
 
"People always talk about experience, experience, experience but look around, there are many managers who have plenty of experience and don't pull it off.
 
"That's why I'm so chuffed for Paul (Clement) at Swansea. Next year he can build his own team and go from there.
 
"With Ryan, with his vast experience and all that, I think he could do a fantastic job (at Boro). It sounds like a good fit."
 
Giggs briefly took charge of Manchester United three years ago when David Moyes was sacked at the back end of his first season in charge and was then appointed as van Gaal's assistant when the Dutchman arrived at Old Trafford.
 
However, the 43-year-old left the club for whom he made more than 650 appearances following the appointment of Jose Mourinho last summer, with the Portuguese boss keen to bring with him his own backroom team.
 
"He's still looking for his first opportunity," Meulensteen added.
 
"In many ways I'm still a little disappointed he never got the chance at Manchester United. It might sound strange because I keep saying that and I actually discussed this with Ryan, but that would be the best club for him to be manager because he knows the club, he knows the identity and he knows the Premier League.
 
"Yes, a lot of other things come your way but don't worry about Ryan, he can handle the media and he's got a fantastic football brain.
 
"This is different, a different challenge. He was very much linked with Swansea and I think that would have been a good bet with the way and the style they want to play."
  • Related keywords: Rene Meulensteen, Ryan Giggs, Middlesbrough, Manchester United