Ryan Giggs ready for new role

It was already established Phil Neville is to become a member of David Moyes’ backroom team but now Giggs will work alongside his former team-mate, having already agreed a one-year contract extension last term.

“It’s a great privilege to be appointed a player coach,” said Giggs.

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

Often linked with the United manager’s job at some point in the future, Giggs has been taking his coaching badges and is due to attain the UEFA Pro Licence next summer.

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

Having confirmed Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden were following him from Everton, concern had been expressed about the lack of United experience in Moyes’ backroom team following his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson’s successor.

The arrival of Neville went some way to allaying those concerns.

However, the decision to appoint Giggs (left) is a masterstroke.

The Welshman won a record 13th Premier League title last term and was part in all but the first two of Ferguson’s major triumphs.