Ryan Giggs is set to accept the No2 position at Manchester United after being offered the role by Louis van Gaal following discussions at the Dutchman’s house in his home town, Noordwijk.
With the future of United’s most decorated player the last major detail to be thrashed out before Van Gaal’s appointment, United hope to announce him as David Moyes’s permanent successor on Thursday. While Giggs could yet decide to refuse the offer from Van Gaal, if he did so this would represent a major surprise as the Welshman is keen to remain at Old Trafford.
Although Giggs was photographed leaving the Hotel van Oranje in Noordwijk on Wednesday, it is understood that the 40-year-old’s meeting with Van Gaal did not take place there. After flying out on Tuesday, Giggs stayed overnight at the Oranje before making the short journey to the 62-year-old Holland manager’s home. There, in a discussion lasting around three hours, Giggs and Van Gaal met for the first time, although the two had spoken by telephone last week when the proposed offer to be United’s assistant manager was first discussed.
Whether Giggs – who was at Old Trafford on Wednesday night to see United lose against Chelsea in the final of the Premier League Under-21s competition – will also play on to extend his career at the club into a 24th season is yet to emerge. He would like to continue, though Van Gaal may decide he wants his No2 to be non-playing so Giggs can focus solely on assisting him.
On Thursday Van Gaal returns to the Holland training camp he is holding in Hoenderloo, with Wednesday having been a break day for the Dutch-based players. Then, they will be joined by the rest of Van Gaal’s squad for next month’s World Cup, including United’s Robin van Persie.
As the striker was appointed Holland team captain by Van Gaal, with Van Persie also considering him a mentor, the 30-year-old is favourite to also be handed the armband at the 20-times champions when the Dutchman becomes manager.
Wayne Rooney had been set to replace Nemanja Vidic in the role under Moyes’ management before the Scot was sacked last month. It is understood that current Holland goalkeeping coach Frans Hoek will be brought in to replace Chris Woods, who was informed this week that his services are no longer required.
The confirmation of Van Gaal as United’s new manager will allow them to return with an improved bid of £30m for Southampton’s Luke Shaw. United had a bid of £27m rejected earlier this week, with the south-coast club insistent that the 18-year-old, who was selected by Roy Hodgson for England’s World Cup squad on Monday, is not for sale. However, United are convinced that the transfer of the left-back is nearing completion, with the higher offer testing Southampton’s resolve.
