Manchester United legend in the frame to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson

The signing of a one-year contract extension earlier this week ensured that Ryan Giggs will enter his 22nd season as a Manchester United player this year, but Sir Alex Ferguson believes he would be equally suited to a managerial role at the club in future, and he can be backed at 12/1 to succeed the Scotsman.

Ferguson is unsure regarding an exact retirement date, though he does expect to relinquish control at Old Trafford within the next three years, and is said to have told friends that he believes Giggs has the right credentials to potentially replace him at the helm.

At 38 years old, it is remarkable that Giggs can still perform at the level he does, and as his playing days look far from over, Ladbrokes offer an interesting 16/1 chance of the Welshman succeeding Fergie on a player/manager basis.

Although many would deem Giggs far too inexperienced in a coaching capacity to take the top job at United, few will have learnt more about the way the club has been run over the past 21 years by one of the greatest managers of all time.

He is currently taking his coaching badges, which will attain him the necessary qualifications to apply for a managerial position, and you can even bet on the success Giggs will have should he take the reins, with Manchester United 4/7 to win major silverware in the first year of his stewardship.

Manchester United legends are seemingly queuing up to offer glowing endorsements regarding the possibility of Giggs taking charge, and while no recommendation will be held in higher regard than Ferguson’s, Paul Scholes recent comments to FourFourTwo magazine will lend weight to the idea.

“People have talked about Jose Mourinho. It can change quickly – it is about who’s successful at the time.

“Whether they are British or foreign, you just want the best man for the job. I could see Ryan Giggs becoming manager.”