MANCHESTER: Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is to leave after almost 30 years of service, the English Premier League club announced on Saturday in a widely expected move following Jose Mourinho’s appointment as manager.
The 42-year-old Welshman — an integral part of the great side built by Alex Ferguson and who made a record 963 aoppearances — is keen to pursue a managerial career, having been assistant manager during the unsuccessful spells of David Moyes and then Louis van Gaal.
“It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I’ll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future,” said Giggs in a statement issued by the club.
“However, the time feels right and although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be.”
Giggs, who won 13 league titles and two Champions League trophies among other honors, said that it was an enormous wrench for him.
“After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this Club — giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football.
“It’s healthy to have high expectations, it’s right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.
“This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14.”
Mourinho, who had already been lined up to replace van Gaal after the Dutchman failed to qualify United for next season’s Champions League, is keen to have his own backroom staff along with him, which means Rui Faria replacing Giggs.
Giggs, who Mourinho reportedly suspected of disloyalty and spinning against Moyes and then van Gaal when their fortunes slumped, was offered a different role but declined it.
But there was no rancour in Giggs’ statement, released by United, toward the Portuguese manager.
“I want to congratulate Jose Mourinho on his appointment as manager of the world’s biggest club,” said Giggs.
“There are only a handful of proven winners at the very highest level and Jose is unquestionably one of them. I know the fans will welcome him.”
Ed Woodward, executive vice chairman, paid a handsome tribute to United’s faithful servant.
“Ryan’s place in the history of Manchester United is assured,” said Woodward.
“He has been a constant presence at the club since 1987 and during his playing days, regularly delighted crowds; first with his dazzling wing play and later with his intelligence and ability to dictate a game.
“He has all the attributes to be a terrific manager in the future.”
End of an era as United legend Giggs quits club
End of an era as United legend Giggs quits club
Supersub strikes again as Sesko gives Man United win at Everton
- The defeat was a blow to Everton’s hopes of a place in next year’s European competitions and left it languishing in ninth, behind Brentford and Bournemouth
LIVERPOOL, England: Manchester United supersub Benjamin Sesko scored 13 minutes after entering the field to give his side a 1-0 win over Everton in the Premier League on Monday.
It was the third time in four games that Sesko has scored after coming off the bench and secured points for United.
“I believe in me and so do the other players as well,” Sesko told Sky Sports. “They know what they are going to get when I arrive in the game. It’s up to me to deliver of course.”
His goal with 19 minutes remaining finished off the slickest move of an otherwise stodgy game.
Bryan Mbeumo controlled Matheus Cunha’s superb long ball and played a perfectly weighted pass to the feet of Sesko, who steered the ball past Jordan Pickford with aplomb.
“It was a great finish,” United interim coach Michael Carrick said. “It was a ruthless finish. I liked the way he put it away with real confidence. It was great play from Cunha and Mbeumo to set it up and we are dangerous on the break.”
Until then defenses had been on top and the lack of attacking fluency was not helped by a heavy pitch that appeared to slow down both teams.
The result took fourth-placed United three points clear of Chelsea and Liverpool. United was three behind Aston Villa.
It also extended Carrick’s unbeaten run to six games since he replaced Ruben Amorim on Jan. 13.
The defeat was a blow to Everton’s hopes of a place in next year’s European competitions and left it languishing in ninth, behind Brentford and Bournemouth and eight points adrift of Chelsea and Liverpool.
David Moyes’ men have gone seven games without a win at their new Hill Dickinson Stadium.
“Generally we did very well in lots of bits,” Moyes said. “We got done on the counterattack and they ran away and got the goal that was there. We put in a great effort to get the goal but lacked the quality to make it count.”
