In an exclusive interview before his press conference as Manchester United interim manager, Ryan Giggs spoke to MUTV.
“It’s been a whirlwind week. From Tuesday morning when (executive vice-chairman) Ed Woodward asked me to look after the team for the remaining four games, which I had no hesitation in saying yes to, from then on yes it’s been a crazy week."
As brief as it will be, with only 4 matches and a few training sessions, Giggs described being Manchester United manager as the proudest moment of his life.
“I’ve got to say it’s the proudest moment of my life. I’ve supported Manchester United all my life, it’s been the biggest part of my life since I was 14 when I signed schoolboy forms. I’m proud, happy, a little bit nervous but just like I am as a player I can’t wait for the game on Saturday."
Ryan admitted that he immediately turned to his former mentor Sir Alex Ferguson for guidance when he was handed the temporary role.
"Obviously I played under Sir Alex for so long so he was the first person to call because I wanted advice and to know what to expect. Who better to ring? Why wouldn’t I?!"
Giggs conveyed this simple message to his players:
‘I trust you and I know what you’re capable of and go out there and show it on Saturday and give the fans something to shout about. Entertain them, score goals, make tackles, play with speed, play with tempo.’
Some of Fergie's Fledglings - Class of '92 - Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt will reunite to assist Giggs in his manager position.
“Nicky was with the Reserves so I asked him to come up and help with the first team which he was more than happy to do. Then I phoned Scholesy because I know how much the club means to these people. They feel the same way I do about the club and I know in the short space of time we have they’ll give it everything to make it a success and hopefully end what has been a frustrating season on a high.”
“I’ve had to take a bit of stick [from the players]! Things like where are you going to park, what do we call you? And I had a ‘gaffer’ sign on my place in the dressing room! The players have been great and the reaction in training has been sharp. I’ve just tried to make things relaxed and for everyone to enjoy themselves. As I said let’s have a good end to what has been a frustrating and disappointing season.”
Then at his first press conference as boss at United's Carrington training base, Ryan Giggs was greeted with a little humour when the press officer introduced him as David by mistake.
After the laughs, with Giggs looking very relaxed and excited, he had this to say:
"I'd like to go on record to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching, it's something I'll always remember, when he rang me in the summer and asked me to come on board at Manchester United, obviously I was still playing but he gave me the opportunity to my first coaching role."
"Secondly, I'd like to just say how proud I am to be managing a third for the remaining four games of the club that I've supported all my life and I've been associated with for 25, 26 years. So it's the proudest moment of my career. One that I'm gonna enjoy for the remainder of the season. Obviously it was a shock to me on Tuesday when I spoke to Ed and he informed me that David was leaving and then asked me to take over. It's just been a bit of a whirlwind week for me."
"I'm just concentrating on the short time the four games that are remaining and that's my main focus. My focus is on tomorrow against Norwich which is gonna be a tough game because they're fighting for their lives after that, I haven't really though about."
"Well just, just try to enjoy yourself and express yourself and I don't know if I'd be saying that if I was manager last week, because the form wasn't great. I've come into the job and obviously my immediate aim is to win Saturday so I felt the best way to do that is to try and make training and go out and play and we've done that."
"Well, it's gonna be my philosophy, it's going to be Manchester United's philosophy because I've been there for all my career. And I want the players to play with passion, speed, tempo, be brave, imagination, all the things I expect of a Manchester United player."
"It's been a frustrating season I think for everyone, you know you win together and you lose together. And I can say these 4 remaining games, I want to bring some positivity back, I want to put smiles on the faces, we've got about 3 home games at Old Trafford where our form hasn't been great. And I want to see goals, I want to see tackles, I want to see players taking players on, and to get the crowd up and I want the passion that should come with being a Manchester United player."
"... bring back some smiles on the faces of the fans."
He wasn't wrong, because of his appointment, I found myself smiling from ear to ear for the first this season since United won the Community Shield in Wembley back in August.
"I've just given myself a five-year contract. So I'm using my power while I can. I haven't done much this week but I'm still involved as a player as well."
"I can't wait for Saturday. I know the place will be rocking and I know the fans will be behind us."
For every single detail of the press conference, Giggs' behaviour, facial expressions etc. Go to YouTube!
