Giggs and Neville join United backroom team

Manchester United have confirmed that Ryan Giggs is to take up a player-coaching role next season.

It was already established Phil Neville is to become a member of 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. 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,” said Giggs.

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 David Moyes' backroom team following his appointment as Sir Alex Ferguson's successor. Neville's arrival at the Aon Training Complex this morning went some way to allaying those concerns. However, the decision to appoint

Giggs 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. He will be an invaluable aid to Moyes as he learns the ropes, with the Scot due to face the media alongside skipper Nemanja Vidic tomorrow afternoon.

“I am delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player coach,” said Moyes. “His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game. “His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I’m sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role.”