Ryan Giggs has revealed he needed counselling to cope with the psychological impact of leaving Manchester United.

The Old Trafford legend spent 24 years at the club as a player and another two years coaching before leaving in July 2016 when Jose Mourinho took charge.

Giggs admits he feared he had become institutionalised at United when he departed.

He said: “I saw a psychologist when I left United because I had been straight from school into being an apprentice.

“It was the same thing every day, going into Manchester United with a structure, and that was no longer going to be the case.

(Image: Getty)

“I was about to start a new chapter where some of my days I wouldn’t be doing anything.

“I sought someone’s help regarding that and it was just about managing your week or day.

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“I had never needed a psychologist while I was playing. But it was little things. You don’t just go to the gym around the corner.

“It helped because I was going into the unknown.

“It opens your eyes because there is a big old world out there other than football.

(Image: REUTERS)

“Rather than fearing it, I enjoyed it, but I missed football and am glad to be back.”

Giggs, 44, is now excited about his first full-time management role after taking charge of Wales, who play in the China Cup in March.

He added: “I can’t wait to get started - it is frustrating I have to wait until March for my first game.”

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He is yet to finalise his backroom staff but his ex-United team-mate and England international Paul Scholes could potentially be involved.

The existing squad are hoping Coleman’s assistant Osian Roberts will continue in some capacity ahead of their League of Nations campaign and Euro 2020 qualifiers.