Ryan Giggs has been tipped as the future manager of Manchester United by Stoke City boss Mark Hughes.
Hughes, a former United and Wales team-mate of Giggs, has backed the 42-year-old to take over the reigns at Old Trafford amid reports that he could potentially replace Louis van Gaal at the helm. The Red Devils have lost their last three matches on the bounce as the pressure has mounted on van Gaal after a home defeat to Norwich City on December 19—Norwich’s first victory over United at Old Trafford for 26 years.
Hughes, whose side face United at the Britannia Stadium on Boxing Day, said at the pre-match press conference that Giggs would be an ideal manager for Manchester United.
“Given his playing career, you would say he’s got an outstanding chance,” Hughes said.
“His ability as a manager is not clear yet – we don’t know because he’s not had the opportunity yet.
“He’s getting an education now. He had it obviously being around Sir Alex Ferguson for so many years, and now he’s assistant manager.”
As a player, Giggs made a record 963 appearances for United in a 14-year career at Old Trafford as well as having a four-game spell as caretaker manager following the sacking of David Moyes. He has since been the assistant to van Gaal since May 2014.
Former Middlesbrough and Norway striker Jan Age Fjortoft has also tipped Welshman to replace the Dutchman, while former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has also been heavily linked to be given the job should United part company with van Gaal.
The outgoing Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola is also a name being mentioned and he is the preferred choice by the hierarchy at Old Trafford, although former United defender Laurent Blanc is also being considered should a move for Guardiola fail.
