The Independent and Daily Mirror both report that this will be the week that Giggs "is expected to finally walk away from Old Trafford following weeks of speculation concerning his future."

And the Mirror goes even further, claiming that the 42-year-old is on the verge of being named new Nottingham Forest manager.

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"The Manchester United legend has agreed to leave the club he has served 29 years as apprentice, player and coach to take on his first permanent managerial role," writes the Mirror's Matt Lawless.

Forest have not had a permanent manager since Dougie Freedman left in March. Paul Williams has been the interim caretaker of a club with one of the richest histories in English football.

Contrary to several previous reports Giggs had been offered a role under new manager Jose Mourinho, but would have been forced to accept a demotion to do so with Mourinho's long-time confidant Rui Faria to be assistant manager at United.

And rather than accept that, Giggs has decided to take the plunge.

"After serving two years as Louis van Gaal's assistant, Giggs has decided to jump into management himself and is now set to take charge at the City Ground," the Mirror adds.

"It's believed Giggs decided his fate last week after pulling out of a planned trip to Euro 2016 to watch Wales' defeat by England in Lens."

Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal with assistant manager Ryan Giggs at the end of the game Image credit: Reuters

OUR VIEW

What a first job to take on for Giggs. Forest haven't been in the top flight since the last millennium - 1998-99 was their last stint in the Premier League - but they are a big club, and well supported by a fervent local population.

That popularity brings with it a huge weight of expectation, however, and those expectations have not been met for a long time.

In the past five seasons, seven different men have managed the club: Freedman, Stuart Pearce, Billy Davies (his second stint), Alex McLeish, Sean O'Driscoll, Steve Cotterill and Steve McClaren. Only Davies and Freedman lasted more than a year: each made it to 13 months.

In other words, Giggs is about to take on a role which has repeatedly chewed up and spat out some of the most promising young managers in football, all of whom had significantly more experience of English football's often-brutal second tier, and all of whom had significantly more managerial experience than Giggs does.

Good luck Ryan. We reckon you'll need it...

A view of the City Ground across the River Trent as fans make their way to the stadium prior to kick-off (PA) Image credit: PA Sport

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