United Appoints Giggs as Player-Coach Neville Returns as First-Team Coach.

Ryan Giggs.
Ryan Giggs.

Ryan Giggs has been confirmed by the new Manchester United boss David Moyes as a player-coach with Phil Neville set to become the club’s first-team coach.

Giggs, 39, and ex-United player Neville, 36, are the new additions to Moyes’ backroom team which also comprises of people who worked under him at Everton- with assistant manager Steve Round, coach Jimmy Lumsden and goalkeeping coach Chris Woods added to the Old Trafford staff.

The New Faces of Manchester United Helmsmen.
The New Faces of Manchester United Helmsmen.

“I’m delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player-coach,” Moyes said. “His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game.”

The Welshman signed a one-year extension to his playing contract in March and will combine his new duties with being a member of the first-team squad.

Responding to the new development, the longest serving Manchester United midfielder said:

“It’s a great privilege to be appointed a player coach. I hope I will be able to bring my experience to to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.”

The club legend Giggs is expected to complete his UEFA Pro Licence next summer. He will gain experience alongside Moyes and his staff as he works towards his coaching qualifications.

“It is no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I’m really looking forward to working alongside David and the team.”

Neville came through the ranks at United, played under Moyes at Goodison Park and both bid final farewell to the Merseyside club on the same day.

He recently worked under England’s Under-21 coach Stuart Pierce in the European Youth Championship held in Isreal.

Neville made his Premier League debut for United in 1995 in a 3-0 win over Manchester City. He won 6 Premier League titles, three FA Cups and one Champions League crown at Old Trafford before joining Everton for £3.5m ten years after his United debut.

Moyes officially became United’s boss on July 1 and will address the media as manager for the first time on Friday.

He will outline his plans for the future in front of the world’s media. Captain Nemanja Vidic will join him in answering questions.