Ryan Giggs OBE joined Manchester United as a 14-year-old in 1987 and played 672 times for the club he loves.

The 42-year-old is the most successful figure to emerge from the Man United academy and is currently learning the trade of being a manager as Louis van Gaal’s assistant.

Many see the Welshman as the next Red Devils boss and feel that he deserves the opportunity, but with rumours circulating that Jose Mourinho will be in the hot seat next season, Giggs' chances of landing the top job look slim.

Perhaps as a reaction to this the bookies are mentioning the former winger in the conversation surrounding the soon-to-be-vacant Celtic job. Giggs will surely have reservations about a move north of the border, even though he sees his long-term future as a manager and is likely keen on taking a top job.

Giggs has long been seen by Old Trafford chiefs as a plausible manager one day, possibly as Van Gaal’s successor. Man United remain keen on keeping a legend at the club on a long-term basis, but are aware of his desire to become a manager - a path that seems to be blocked, or at least full of obstacles in Manchester.

Whomever becomes manager will need to realise that the development of youth is important to the club and Giggs recently made that clear: “I think it will always be part of the club’s philosophy,” he said. “It’s part of the history, it’s what sets us apart from other teams."

"Yes, we can bring world-class players in from around the world but we want one of our own to be performing on that Old Trafford pitch, whether it’s a centre-forward, a winger, a defender… we need players to come through the ranks."

While Van Gaal has brought youngsters into the first team squad, Mourinho has a less impressive record in that area.

So, if Giggs is overlooked, what next? Giggs wants to stay at United that much is clear, but there is some doubt even in his own mind.

Giggs said: “I am still a young man in relative terms in management. I could have 20-25 years in the game and it might not all be at United."

With Mourinho appearing as the favourite to take on the Red Devils role, it may mean that Giggs will have to go elsewhere and then maybe one day return to Old Trafford and take the position many supporters see him heading towards. The problem with being a club legend as a player is that if you fail as a manager your legendary status becomes somewhat tarnished, and many ex-professionals prefer to be a manager elsewhere to, therefore, preserve their standing.

The other side of the coin is that it would be true to say that Giggs' experience is rather limited, and this is something that the board need to consider rather than let sentiment rule their decision.

No one knows for sure what will happen. If Mourinho is finally appointed, as expected, as the next Manchester United manager, then it's hard to see Giggs staying. Even if Jose wants the current assistant manager in position, the Welshman himself may think he's ready to step up from being an assistant.

Under Mourinho, Giggs won't have much say in matters, despite any assurances from the ex-Chelsea boss. He will be ultimately undermined, pushed aside and all but disappear within the backroom staff over time. Giggs will champion the youth emergence and Mourinho will buy ready made players.

He understands Manchester United, its history and philosophy, whereas Mourinho is a quick two or three year fix option before he does the usual 'up and gone' tactic, because there's nothing about the man after three years.

Therefore, Giggs, and United, may have to endure a trial separation.

Manchester United is in his soul. One way or another, Giggs will be the manager of that great club - one day.

[ad_pod id='ffc-poll-2' align='center']

[ad_pod id='writeforus' align='center']