Mark Hughes Backs Ryan Giggs to Become Future Man Utd Manager
By Tom Gott
Former Manchester United star Mark Hughes believes that Wales manager Ryan Giggs could earn himself a job at Old Trafford if he can impress with his international side at the delayed Euro 2020 next summer.
Giggs was rumoured to become the new United manager back in 2016 after impressing alongside then-boss Louis van Gaal, but he opted to leave his assistant position that summer when the Red Devils brought in José Mourinho.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hughes admitted he believes Giggs only missed out on the job that summer because United wanted a big name to rival Manchester City's Pep Guardiola, but added that next summer could finally be his time.
"Ryan is in a good place in his management career. He is on an upward trend," said Hughes. "He is probably more likely to get an opportunity at Manchester United than he was when Van Gaal left.
"Maybe they felt his management CV wasn't strong enough at that point, but if he goes to the European Championship and does well, then there's no reason why he won't be in the frame."
"He was a fantastic player throughout his career. And he's had good opportunities to learn the game on the other side of the fence."
Giggs often attracted criticism from Welsh fans for a perceived lack of commitment to the national team during his playing days. He managed just 64 caps across his 16-year career, but Hughes believes that was more because of his importance to United.
"There was a little bit of comment, shall I say, when he got the [Wales] job because people questioned his commitment to the Welsh cause," Hughes said. "But listen, he was in difficult circumstances and there was always a balance with his club at the time.
"Sir Alex [Ferguson] was very strong and was very reluctant for any players - English, Irish, Welsh, wherever they came from - to leave on international duty unless they were key games.
"He wasn't too happy with friendlies to say the least. But we got him for friendlies on occasions and he was always there for the big games, so his commitment was always there."