Play like the old United - Giggs

Ryan Giggs addressed Manchester United players and delivered the message that he wants them to return to their old attacking ways. Picture: Jon Super

Ryan Giggs addressed Manchester United players and delivered the message that he wants them to return to their old attacking ways. Picture: Jon Super

Published Apr 24, 2014

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Ryan Giggs addressed Manchester United players and delivered the message that he wants them to return to their old attacking ways.

Giggs has told the squad he wants them to start playing like Manchester United used to — pressing teams and dictating games in the style they showed under Sir Alex Ferguson.

The interim United boss will draw on 23 years of experience playing for Ferguson to return the team to the brave, ruthless side they were before David Moyes took over.

Moyes’s acrimonious exit speech did not include a word of thanks to his players. The sacked United manager released a statement through the League Managers’ Association after leaving the club having spent just 10 months in charge.

The LMA themselves criticised United’s handling of Moyes’s sacking but it was Moyes’s words that were noted with derision in the dressing room at Carrington yesterday.

With United officials ready to fly to Portugal to meet top target Louis van Gaal, who will consider Roy Keane as his No 2 if he is appointed, Moyes had his say: ‘During this period of transition, performances and results have not been what Manchester United

and its fans are used to or expect, and I understand and share their frustration.

‘I remain proud to have led the team to the quarter-finals of this year’s Champions League and I remain grateful to Sir Alex Ferguson for believing in my ability and giving me the chance to manage Manchester United.

‘To have been appointed as manager of Manchester United, one of the biggest football clubs in the world, was and remains something of which I will always be incredibly proud.

‘Taking charge after such a long period of continuous stability and success at the club was inevitably going to be a significant challenge but it was one which I relished and never had a second thought about taking on.

‘The scale of the manager’s job at United is immense but I have never stepped away from hard work and the same applies to my coaching staff.

‘I thank them for their dedication and loyalty throughout the last season. I would also like to thank the United staff for making me feel so welcome and part of the United family from my first day. And of course, thank you to those fans who have supported me throughout the season.’

Interim United manager Ryan Giggs began his short time in charge by welcoming Paul Scholes back as coach, a move revealed by MailOnline on Tuesday morning.

Giggs told his squad it is time to ‘start playing like Manchester United again’.

The club, whose owners the Glazers will be at Saturday’s home game against Norwich, have denied they may attempt to appoint Jose Mourinho.

Van Gaal and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti are at the top of their shortlist.

Last night LMA chief executive Richard Bevan said: ‘The LMA is very disappointed with the nature of David’s departure from Manchester United and to read extensive reports in the press, confirming David’s sacking, before David himself had been spoken to.

‘Throughout his time at United, David, as he always does, has conducted himself with integrity and professionalism, values that he believes in and that have been strongly associated with the club and its rich tradition.

‘It is therefore sad to see the end of David’s tenure at United being handled in an unprofessional manner.’

United, meanwhile, continue to edge closer to the £30million signing of Southampton’s Luke Shaw after indicating they will pursue current targets unless a new manager advises otherwise.

United face a fight to keep Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley (left), with Everton planning a double swoop for the pair.

Manager Roberto Martinez will consider a move for Welbeck if Everton fail to strike a deal to keep on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, who is also wanted by Tottenham and would command a transfer fee of more than £20million. A deal for Cleverley would be easier, as the midfielder has only 14 months on his contract. – Daily Mail

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