Giggs tipped to replace Solskjaer as Man Utd manager

Mark Hughes claims Ryan Giggs now has what it takes to be Manchester United manager.

Giggs took interim charge at Old Trafford when David Moyes was sacked, before working as Louis van Gaal’s assistant.

And Hughes believes Giggs will be “in the frame” to take charge of United, if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is sacked and he leads Wales in a successful Euro 2020 campaign.

“I think Ryan is in a good place in his management career,” Hughes told the BBC.

“He is on an upward trend. He is probably more likely to get an opportunity at United than he was when van Gaal left in 2016.

“Maybe they felt his management CV wasn’t strong enough at that point, but if he goes to the European Championship and does well, then there’s no reason why he won’t be in the frame.

“Giggs worked very closely with Van Gaal, which I felt was a good decision.

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“I thought that was with a view to him taking over the role when Van Gaal left. It wasn’t to be, and they decided to go for a bigger name – Mourinho.

“I think that was pushed maybe a little bit because of the appointment at City of Guardiola.

“Maybe they felt they needed like for like, which probably affected Ryan’s chances.”

Giggs was criticised in his playing days for his lack of commitment to Wales, but Hughes has defended the United legend.

“There was a little bit of comment, shall I say, when he got the [Wales] job because people questioned his commitment to the Welsh cause,” Hughes added.

“But listen, he was in difficult circumstances and there was always a balance with his club at the time.

“Sir Alex was very strong and was very reluctant for any players – English, Irish, Welsh, wherever they came from – to leave on international duty unless they were key games.

“He wasn’t too happy with friendlies to say the least. But we got him for friendlies on occasions and he was always there for the big games, so his commitment was always there.”