Ryan Giggs to end 29-year association with Manchester United

Ryan Giggs is set to leave Manchester United and end a 29-year association with the club.

The Welshman was assistant manager to Louis van Gaal for two years before the Dutchman was sacked in May. Giggs, 42, had 12 months year on his terms but has agreed a settlement with the club, with Rui Faria, Mourinho's long-term assistant, expected to again fill the role under the new manager.

It is thought Mourinho offered Giggs a role within the youth set-up but he decided his future is now elsewhere, having been disappointed not to be considered as Van Gaal’s successor. Club officials have not confirmed the news yet but it is understood his departure will be announced in the coming days.

The Cardiff-born Giggs served a short stint as caretaker manager after David Moyes’ departure at the end of the 2013-14 campaign.

Prior to that, he was a fixture in United’s first team for 23 years, scoring 168 goals in all competitions and winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cup winner’s medals, three from the League Cup and two Champions League winner’s prizes.

But the fans’ favourite has never hidden his desire to progress as a manager and he is widely believed to have been disappointed that he was overlooked for the top job.

Having completed his coaching badges, Giggs was linked with Swansea City last season and Nottingham Forest this summer, although that post has now been filled by Frenchman Philippe Montanier.

Giggs, who played 64 times for Wales, has most recently been seen as a pundit for ITV during Euro 2016 but has given no clues as to what he will do next.

The first man to win back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), Giggs was named PFA Player of the Year and BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2009.

In a glittering career as a player Giggs became the highest appearance maker, having played 963 times for the club.

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