Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is in line for a shock return to management with League Two outfit Salford City, according to The Sun.
The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving his post as Wales boss last year, although had been on leave since 2020 after facing domestic abuse accusations. Now cleared, the former winger is looking for a return to management and is reportedly taking an active interest in the post at Salford City.
Giggs part-owns the Ammies alongside fellow Class of 92 members David Beckham, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt and has overseen their rise to the football league in recent years. Salford were defeated in the play-off semi finals last season by Stockport County on penalties and the aim for this season is to secure promotion to League One for the first time in their history.
His only spell in management at club level came back in 2014, when he took over on an interim basis at Manchester United following the sacking of David Moyes. He won two of his four fixtures in charge at Old Trafford and remained as a coach the following season under the stewardship of Louis van Gaal. However, his time at the helm for Wales was largely successful, where he led his home nation to Euro 2020 qualification.
It’s not been the best start to the season for Salford, and they have lost their last four League Two fixtures, including a 2-0 home defeat against Notts County on Friday. As a result, manager Neil Wood is under increasing pressure to turn around results and could find himself out of a job should improvements not be forthcoming.
Their loss of form has seen them slip to 19th in the table and the final nail in the coffin could come next weekend when they face lowly Harrogate Town at the EnviroVent Stadium.
Writer’s View
Appointing Giggs would be a risk for Salford City, although it isn’t a surprise considering his links to the club. His knowledge of the fourth tier will be in question having spent all of his playing career at the highest level, whilst his management experience is almost solely on the international stage.
We can all remember Paul Scholes’ infamous short-lived stint at Oldham Athletic and there will be a worry that Giggs may follow in a similar vein. However, he is a person that undoubtedly has a winning mentality and these are the kind of discussions that will be taking place should they decide to depart with Neil Wood.
There are more experienced manager’s available who have plied their trade at this level and Salford may be best placed exploring that route.
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