Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs could be in contention to succeed Garry Monk as Swansea manager, according to the Independent.
The 42-year-old has spoken of his desire to manage in the past and has been widely thought to be one of the favourites to become United manager after Louis van Gaal’s contract expires in 2017, but Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins is keen to find out whether Giggs would leave Old Trafford to further his managerial ambitions.
The Independent state that Jenkins wants to hire an emerging coach that favours attacking football and Giggs would seem to fit that blueprint. With Brendan Rodgers rejecting the opportunity to return to the Liberty Stadium, the former Wales international is among many managers that are being headhunted by the Swans.
Giggs first moved into coaching after Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, taking on the role of player-coach under David Moyes before taking charge of the Reds on a temporary basis after the sacking of the Scotsman in April 2014, before serving as van Gaal’s assistant during his tenure so far at Old Trafford, with the intention of grooming him as the next United manager.
However, as van Gaal’s reign enters the final 18 months, there is some uncertainty over United’s intentions, with fans clamouring for a big name to take over after the Dutchman leaves the club. With former team-mate Gary Neville now moving into management with Valencia, it could leave Giggs in the shadows – with a lack of management experience that may ultimately see him miss out on the top job at Old Trafford.
And Swansea could come in and swoop for Giggs if he doesn’t receive assurances from the club that he is regarded as a serious contender for the United job. And that may be the best option for Giggs – there would be no harm if he left the club and gained some managerial experience in a competitive, mid-table Premier League team before being considered for the Old Trafford hot seat.
