Manchester United boss, Jose Mourinho, has reportedly “vetoed” the idea of Ryan Giggs remaining at Old Trafford as his assistant, as he believes the Red Devils legend could “become a potential managerial rival.”
That’s according to the Times’ Matt Hughes, who reported that the Special One thinks the Welshman “distanced himself from Louis van Gaal and David Moyes at crucial times” during their reigns at United and is worried that Giggs cannot provide him with the “unswerving loyalty and complete support” he requires of his staff.
Further, the pair are seemingly yet to talk to one another despite Mourinho having taken over in May: Per Hughes, Giggs’ friendship with fellow United alumni Paul Scholes is also a cause for concern due to the latter’s open criticism of the two regimes preceding Mourinho.
In Giggs’ place, the Portuguese’s former assistant Rui Faria—who has worked with him at every club he’s managed over the last 15 years—is expected to come in, according to Hughes (h/t Joe Short of the Daily Express).
Former Premier League footballer, Danny Gabbidon, anticipated such a scenario:
Football writer Liam Canning believes Giggs’ departure would be for the best:
The former Wales international has been involved with the club for almost 30 years as a player and then as an assistant to Moyes and Van Gaal.
Though it may well be beneficial for him to continue learning the tricks of the trade under Mourinho—one of the most successful managers of the modern era—if Giggs were hoping to take the reins at Old Trafford at some point down the line then prior experience as a No. 1 will be invaluable.
While he has only taken charge of four senior matches at United after Moyes was sacked, it’s conceivable his accomplishments as a player and experience of working as a No. 2 could earn him a Premier League managerial job at a club prepared to take a risk on him.
As for Mourinho, rejecting Giggs will win him few friends among the Old Trafford faithful, but it’s not likely to have a lasting effect on his relationship with them if he can bring success to the club.
Further, United not having a club legend immediately available to turn to in a moment of crisis adds even more strength to Mourinho’s already-secure position.