Louis van Gaal backs Manchester United legend to be succeed him as Old Trafford boss

Louis van Gaal has backed assistant Ryan Giggs to replace him as manager of Manchester United, reports The Sun on Sunday.

The Welshman has been part of the coaching staff since last season, when he became a player-coach under David Moyes and was also caretaker manager when the Scot was sacked. This time round he has been Van Gaal’s number two as the 63-year-old has guided the club back in to the top four of the Premier League.

The Dutchman now believes that the Welshman is good enough to follow him at the helm of the Red Devils. Having played 963 times, scoring 168 goals in a 24 year playing career at Old Trafford, it is likely the former winger would be a popular choice for the job among fans.

Van Gaal said: “Normally ex-players don’t work so hard because they are used to an easy lifestyle but Ryan is already an exception. He reads the game in a very good way and at a high level. Now he is developing the skills needed to be a trainer-coach and he is doing it very well.

“I think he is able to be the manager of United and that he’ll also be successful.”