• Premier League

Giggs and Neville join United's coach staff

ESPN staff
July 4, 2013
Phil Neville retired at the end of last season, while Ryan Giggs will play on past his 40th birthday © Getty Images
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Manchester United have confirmed that Ryan Giggs is to take on a player-coach role at the club next season, with Phil Neville also joining David Moyes' staff.

Moyes, who began work at Old Trafford this week, has already brought in Steve Round, Chris Woods and Jimmy Lumsden from Everton to form the basis of his coaching team. Giggs, who signed a new one-year contract extension in March to extend his playing career into his 40s, will now also play a part.

"I'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player-coach," Moyes told the club's official website. "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."

Giggs, who is set to attain the UEFA Pro Licence next summer, added: "It's a great privilege to be appointed a player-coach. I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.

"It's no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team."

Neville, Moyes' captain at Everton, also joins the backroom team having hung up his boots at the end of last season. He arrived at United's training complex on Thursday and returns to the club at which he spent ten years before departing for Goodison Park in 2005.

The 36-year-old, whose brother Gary works as part of Roy Hodgson's England staff, gained experience with Stuart Pearce's Under-21 side during the European Championship in Israel this summer.

"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," Moyes told United's official website. "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 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. So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn't resist.

"I gave my all when I played 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, we can make a real contribution to Manchester United."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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