Red credentials: Ryan Giggs

April 25, 2014
Posted by Steven Tan | Source from ManUtd.com
United Uncovered charts Ryan Giggs' route from boyhood star to temporary boss... 
 
The Ryan Giggs story continues with a new chapter to add to this incredible tale of association with Manchester United, from precocious teen to quintessential footballer, from the team's elder statesman to, now, leader in its hour of need.
 
Giggs' achievements and his growth into one of the greatest players in United's history – undisputedly the Reds' most successful player – serves to highlight that he possesses the credentials to take responsibility for the first team for the closing stages of the season.
 
While the circumstances of his move into the dugout for the last four games of 2013/14 are not ideal, the Welshman will doubtless take to the task with the requisite sense of responsibility this brief but important role requires. Following the departure of David Moyes this week, Giggs was quickly installed in his stead, the ideal man to step up for the club he has served so well and for so long.
 
His story, from trialling with the Reds in December 1986 as a 13-year-old, through a club career that has solely taken place in the top flight until beyond his 40th birthday, is one of constant improvement, outstanding success and timely reinvention when required.
 
Above and beyond his allegiances as a fan, from his decision to sign schoolboy terms following Sir Alex Ferguson's visit to his house on his 14th birthday, United is in Giggs' DNA. Had he called time on his playing career by his mid-thirties, as was the case with most of his contemporaries, Ryan would still have a unique place in the club's history. But his continued influence on the pitch, coupled with his desire to apply his experience in a coaching capacity, mean the Reds are still reaping the benefits of the intrinsic knowledge he has of the club.
 
Even recent playing performances give every reason to suggest he will take what he has learned from his stellar career into his new, temporary role. While the pace that enabled Giggs to race down the flanks has naturally waned, his speed of thought, eye for the right pass and influence on games have only been enhanced. Only last month he turned in a stunning display to help the Reds overcome Olympiacos.
 
He moved into a player-coach role in summer 2013, but as he said at the time he had been readying himself for the next phase of his career with the same high standards that had helped him continue playing so effectively at the highest level. Ryan told the club magazine, Inside United: "I wanted to be as prepared as I could for finishing playing. I've always concentrated on playing but I've been doing my badges at the same time. Five years ago I didn't think I'd still be playing at this age. I wanted to be prepared when I finished, so I started my coaching badges then."
 
Giggs was called "the club's greatest servant" by team-mate and good friend Gary Neville, and all the signs are that the skills and dedication that have marked his illustrious playing career so far will help him for the rest of the current campaign. He'll have help from some friends, of course, as Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes assist in coaching and preparing the Reds to end a frustrating season on as positive a note as possible.
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