Nicky Butt: Ryan Giggs can step up

April 26, 2014
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from James Tuck, ManUtd.com
Ryan Giggs still wants to be “one of the lads” but is also capable of managing his Manchester United team-mates - according to one of his assistants, Nicky Butt.
 
As the Reds’ interim manager, Giggs finds himself in the unusual situation of being in charge of the players he’s played alongside for so long.
 
But Butt says the Welshman has enough know-how to be able to make the transition successfully, not least because he’s already taken steps into coaching.
 
“Ryan has always been a character in the changing room, one of the lads, but over the last few years he’s got older than some of the young lads who are here,” Butt told MUTV.
 
“He’s got the respect of the players, which is important. He still has a laugh and a joke with them in training and still wants to be one of the lads. But you have to distance yourself as a manager and he understands that.
 
“Over the last two or three years he’s taken that step into coaching, mixing with the coaches and managers and trying to tap into that.
 
“The good thing about Ryan is that he’s not a superstar who’s too big for this or that – he’ll speak to anybody, and he’s clever enough to take on board little tips here and there.”
 
Butt believes Giggs’ famed professionalism and many years of experience at the club will stand him in good stead in his new temporary role.
 
“He has a love for the game, which is massively important, and a hunger to come in and work hard every day. He’s focused on football,” Butt added.
 
“Ryan has a lot of experience at this club and has worked hard to get his coaching badges – he’s not just been given them. Put it all together and it’s a powerful package.”
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