Ryan Giggs could be the biggest casualty from Jose Mourinho’s anticipated arrival with the Manchester United legend set to leave.
Giggs is reportedly ready to walk away from the club he has been with since he was a schoolboy once Louis van Gaal’s departure is confirmed.
The 42-year-old has served as the Dutchman’s assistant manager for the past two years, continuing a role he started under former boss David Moyes in July 2013.
And although Mourinho is said to be keen to extend Giggs’ stay in United’s backroom set-up, the former Wales international is understood to be heading for the exit.
Giggs served as a caretaker boss for four games at United when Moyes was axed and according to a report in The Sun , he feels he is ready to become a manager in his own right.
Giggs has been urged by his Class of 92 pals to quit Old Trafford this summer and make his way in management at a new club.
The Welshman has already worked as an assistant under current boss Louis van Gaal and David Moyes but will not stick around if Mourinho gets the nod this summer.
Gigg’s is agonising about whether to make the break now with executive vice chairman Ed Woodward unwilling to guarantee him the job once Van Gaal eventually goes.
Giggs friends and business partners Gary and Phil Neville have both left United to gain experience.
Gary continues to coach England and had a short spell as head coach of Valencia this season. Phil Neville has coached at United and is still on the Valencia backroom staff.
Giggs has been advised his next move should be managing a club in his own right.
The dilemma for Giggs is that he knows he will only get one shot at managing United and if he leaves now and fails at his next club it could ruin his chances of one day landing his dream job.
The news will come as blow to several senior players at United too who reportedly lobbied for him to succeed Van Gaal once the Dutchman’s three-year contract ends next season.
But with former Chelsea boss Mourinho set to be announced as Van Gaal’s replacement this week, they could be left disappointed.
Van Gaal appeared to concede his time in the North-West was coming to an abrupt end after he told a reporter in Manchester on Sunday: “It’s over”.
He failed to secure Champions League football following a fifth place finish in the Premier League but will leave on a high after guiding the club to FA Cup glory at Wembley at the weekend with a 2-1 extra time win over Crystal Palace.
Should Giggs leave, he will hope to return to the club where he has served his entire professional career as permanent boss somewhere down the line.
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