Giggs appointed player-coach at United in first steps into management after Neville is reunited with Moyes as first-team coach

Phil Neville has returned to Manchester United as David Moyes's new first-team coach, where he will be joined on the staff by Ryan Giggs.



Former United defender Neville was photographed arriving at Carrington early this morning, and was announced as Moyes's latest backroom appointment alongside four former Everton colleagues in Chris Woods, Steve Round, Robbie Cooke and Jimmy Lumsden later on Thursday.



And club legend Giggs, 39, who is expected to complete his UEFA Pro Licence next summer, will take up a player/coach role after signing a one-year contract extension.



Reunited: Former team-mates Phil Neville (left) and Ryan Giggs (right) are now coaches at Manchester United

Reunited: Phil Neville will link-up with David Moyes as Manchester United's new first-team coach Coaching role: Ryan Giggs will gain experience alongside Moyes and his staff as he works towards his coaching qualifications

HEADING FOR THE TOP JOB?

Following the announcement that both Phil Neville and Ryan Giggs will be joining the Manchester United coaching staff, leading odds comparison site Oddschecker.com confirm that both are in the running to be the next Manchester United Manager. Giggs is best priced at 16/1 whilst Phil Neville is best priced at 20/1, however both are as short as 12/1. Pep Guardiola remains the favourite to succeed David Moyes. The Spaniard is on offer at 6/1.

Manager David Moyes said: ‘I have known and worked with Philip for eight years and in that time I have come to know his dedication, ability to lead and appetite for hard work. In addition, of course, he understands the club very well and I think his addition to the coaching staff will be a valuable one’.



Neville, 36, ended his 18-year playing career at Everton last month. But it was at Old Trafford where the ex-England defender made his name after emerging with the much-celebrated Class of ’92.

He made over 250 appearances for the current Barclays Premier League champions before spending eight years at Goodison Park under Moyes.



Neville, who was Everton’s captain from 2007, has been doing his coaching badges and holds the UEFA B Licence award. He completed his A Licence at St George's Park at the end of May, and despite other offers from within the game and the chance to pursue media activities, the lure of United proved impossible to resist.

Neville said: 'When I retired from football, I knew that I wanted to continue in the game; it’s something that I have been preparing for over the last few years.



Going back: Neville spent 10 years as a first-team player at Old Trafford before leaving for Everton in 2005

Family man: Neville famously played alongside his brother Gary for United and England

'So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn’t resist. I gave my all when I player for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart.



'I’ve really enjoyed working with David and his staff as a player and I think that, together with Ryan Giggs, we can make a real contribution to Manchester United.'

Moyes took charge of his first training session at United's Carrington training ground today and Neville was thrust straight into action, along with Lumsden and Round, where he laid out the cones ahead of a running exercise.

Neville was part of the England Under 21s' coaching staff during their disappointing showing in the European Championship in Israel this summer.

Neville, brother of former United favourite and Sky Sports pundit Gary, is also good friends with several first-team players, including Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick.

Sir Alex Ferguson handed Neville his Manchester United debut in 1995 in a 3-0 win over Manchester City. He went on to win six Premier League titles, three FA Cups and the Champions League before Moyes signed him at Everton in 2005 for £3.5million.

On the ball: Neville spent the early part of the summer as part of England Under 21s coaching set-up

Familiar ground: Neville has a good relationship with several United players, including Ryan Giggs

Meanwhile, Giggs, who has played 941 games and scored 168 goals for United in a career spanning more than two decades, is currently working towards his coaching badges.

Rewarded with a one-year contract extension following another season of age-defying performances, Giggs will work alongside Moyes and his team in training sessions.

Announcing the appointment, Moyes said: 'I'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player/coach. 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.'

Still going strong: Giggs was rewarded with a one-year contract extension after another consistent year