What Ryan Giggs doesn't know about Manchester United isn't worth knowing. This is a man that, during his 27-year association with the club, has come to its rescue on numerous occasions.
Yet, in United's latest hour of need, the 40-year-old, for once, is not best equipped to fight the fire.
The clamour for Giggs to be appointed United's next manager started as soon as he was confirmed as the interim boss following the sacking of David Moyes. The positive press conference that followed, in which he sounded more assertive than Moyes ever had, and a 4-0 win over Norwich City only saw that roar intensify.
The 1-0 home defeat at the hands of lowly Sunderland brought with it a sharp dose of reality, but there are still those, including Sir Alex Ferguson, reportedly, that believe that the Welshman is the right man to reinstate the ailing outfit to the Premier League's top four and beyond.
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Offering his opinion recently in the Daily Mail, former Liverpool midfielder and now Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp wrote: "From his first press conference to walking out as United boss at Old Trafford, Ryan Giggs has meant business. He looks every inch a Man United manager. Nobody knows that club better than Giggs and if United really want to build for the future then why not give him the chance to do it?"
Why not indeed? After all, Giggs is the most decorated player in the history of English football, having won 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues with the club. While Moyes was heavily criticised for lacking the necessary winning mentality to thrive at the helm, it's not an accusation that can besmirch Giggs.
The job in hand, though, is a strenuous and potentially arduous one. The current United squad does not need minor surgery, it requires a major operation carried out by a ruthless surgeon.
The ageing Rio Ferdinand and Patrice Evra, for example, need replacing. Remember, these are two United stalwarts with whom Giggs has won countless honours - he lifted the Champions League trophy with Ferdinand in Moscow six years ago. It would be understandable that Giggs feels a strong degree of loyalty towards the defensive duo, but at present, there is no room for sentiment.
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Speaking about the pair on Friday, Giggs suggested that, if handed the manager's position full time, he would look to retain their services: "I do believe [Ferdinand and Evra] still have a part to play. Both their contracts are up but they have both given massive service to the club. It is a group discussion but I still think they have a lot to offer. They have been great players and they remain assets to a club like Manchester United."
The harsh truth is, despite their wealth of experience, the pair have become more of a hindrance than a help and should be moved on to pastures new. The same could also be argued for the likes of Michael Carrick and Darren Fletcher (see Sunderland's goal at the weekend), while Tom Cleverley, Ashley Young, Nani and Antonio Valencia – to name four – all severely lack the ability, attitude or belief (or all three) to take United forward.
But, when asked last week whether United, languishing in seventh, can mount a serious challenge for trophies next season, a defiant Giggs replied: "We've got everything in place to have a successful season next year. We've certainly got the players." Again, more devotion to a dressing room that he has been a part of for so long.
What United need is a clean break. Having been managed for 10 months by Moyes, who had the persona of a supply teacher at school, a disciplinarian is required to restore order and make the necessary improvements to the playing ranks. Someone that is not frightened to bruise a few inflated egos, while ruling with an iron fist.
All speculation points to Louis van Gaal being that man as far as the powers that be at Old Trafford are concerned. Only time will tell if the 62-year-old, who can certainly boast a proven track record, is the right appointment, but one thing is for sure, at a time when United can simply not afford to gamble, he's a safer bet, right now, than Giggs.
Liam Apicella
