Yep. This post is coming less than an hour after we announced the new manager in Manchester, but this is no ordinary club.
New Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal is 62-years-old, so there’s plenty of soccer left for him to coach before he rides off into the sunset of retirement.
But his assistant manager is Red Devils legend Ryan Giggs, a career-man who already served as caretaker upon the firing of David Moyes last month. And van Gaal isn’t exactly the model of longevity, having not spent more than four years at a managerial stop since leaving Ajax in 1997 (where he had served since 1991). Giggs officially announced his retirement from playing after Monday’s announcement and will now be a pivotal figure, alongside van Gaal, in returning the club to the glory days.
It’s not a leap to assume that appointment of Giggs serves multiple purposes. One, many Red Devils supporters who might feel unsure about van Gaal will feel calmed by the presence of a “Manchester United man” beside the Dutchman. And two, surely Giggs sees it a yet another stepping stone on the road to continuing his United legacy with a permanent post in the first chair.
Considering Giggs’ on-field leadership style was cultivated under Sir Alex Ferguson, some time under van Gaal will give him an almost-unparalleled head start to a managerial role. That’s a job that many figure awaits Giggs once van Gaal is done at Old Traffiord.
Here’s what Giggs had to say about the gig:
“I am thrilled to have the chance to serve as assistant manager. Louis van Gaal is a world-class coach and I know I will learn a lot about coaching from being able to observe and contribute at such close quarters. Manchester United has been a huge part of my life and I’m delighted to be able to continue that relationship in such a key role.”
Some will say it’s hasty to tab this as a grooming gig; Manchester United needs a major overhaul and van Gaal has to steady a ship that’s been rocked to-and-fro — almost capsizing — during a tough time under David Moyes. But there’s no question that the inclusion of the Welshman as assistant is a subplot to monitor.
How cool was van Gaal with bringing Giggs aboard? How will their personalities mesh? It’s not a certainty that an on-field general brings the same spirit and success to the bench. Will Giggs be automatic, especially with two other Dutch assistants brought aboard in Frans Hoek and Marcel Bout.
