Almost three decades later and there is now a huge Ryan Giggs-shaped hole at Old Trafford.
The Manchester United legend ended his 29-year association with the Red Devils this weekend, when his departure from the club was confirmed.
The announcement was expected, with rumours circulating over the past month that the arrival of Jose Mourinho was set to coincide with Giggs’ decision to call time on his United career.
And the reason behind his departure has been revealed by Manchester Evening News, whose sources close to the club claim that Giggs wanted a ‘gold-plated guarantee’ that he would succeed Mourinho as United boss whenever that time arrived.
The former winger was overlooked as Louis van Gaal’s successor due to the club’s prioritisation of experience in their pursuit of a new manager.
MEN also claim that Mourinho was set to offer Giggs a significant demotion in terms of his role with the squad.
The offer from the Portuguese would reportedly have seen Giggs relieved of his matchday duties, a marked downgrade from his previous responsibilities as assistant manager.
In his farewell statement, the Welshman reiterated his desire to step into the management realm.
He wrote: “Although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be.”
