There have been several claims by those supposedly in the know that there is huge friction behind the scenes at Manchester United, in regards to who should become the next manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson has apparently lost some of his influence among the board after pushing for the disastrous appointment of David Moyes. Having taken a back seat over the past few years, Ryan Giggs’ appointment as manager would certainly make Fergie a man with more sway.

Over the past few weeks, with it looking increasingly likely that Van Gaal will be told to leave at the end of the season, United ambassadors, who all played for Ferguson and all played alongside Ryan Giggs, have been very vocal in supporting Giggs to replace Van Gaal, and not Mourinho.

Dwight Yorke

I think we have a very experienced manager in our current position. We know he has one more year on his contract. We have to wait and see where that is going to go.

If the manager were to leave the football club at the end of his contract, then my appointment would be Ryan Giggs, for sure. He is somebody who is really knowledgeable about the football club and would gain the respect. He’s also had three years as an assistant now. I feel the time is right, as soon as Van Gaal’s contract finishes.

I think when you look back at the Class of ‘92, we have always brought through younger players that have come through the ranks. It’s great to see the young players being given the opportunity to showcase their talent. We expect more of that because it’s in the Manchester United DNA.

Bryan Robson

The thing for me is that Van Gaal was always going to be a three-year contract with Ryan working under him so that they could see whether he was ready to step in. Ryan was a great player for this club, he loves playing football the United way, he’s done all his badges and for me he’s in the right place at the right time.

People say it’s too big a challenge, too big a jump. But I don’t agree. Look at Pep Guardiola, he came through the ranks at Barcelona as a player and then as a young coach and then they trusted him and he stepped up. He was tremendously successful. It’s the same with Ryan. He knows what this club is all about and the fans would be totally behind the club if they made that decision and totally behind Ryan.

Andy Cole

If Giggsy gets the opportunity it would be brilliant. I know everyone has said it’s going to be hard for him. Of course it’s going to be hard, it’s Manchester United. They are so used to winning things. They have been at the top of the league, progressing in Europe, winning the Premier League and constantly winning. But I do believe – given the chance – he would do well. It’s going to take time, it would take time for any manager at that football club but given the job, I think he would do a great job.

Nemanja Vidic

I like the idea of Giggsy, but Mourinho has had success in the past. It’s a hard choice. Is Giggsy ready or not? He knows. The club knows. I believe they will have an honest conversation. I want someone who knows the club and does the best for the club. I shared a dressing room with him. I know he will do that.

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