Giggs or Van Gaal? Man Utd must pick romance or reality| News |

Ryan Giggs during his first game in charge

(Image credit: ANDREW YATES/AFP/Getty Images)

published 29 April 2014

MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to choose between romance or realism this summer after reports that the experienced Louis Van Gaal will only take over at Old Trafford if he can bring his own coaching staff - a move that could see the 'Class of 92' forced out of the club. Ryan Giggs has surrounded himself with former team-mates Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes since taking over from David Moyes last week and there is a groundswell of support for the former players among the fans. However, the club has insisted that Giggs is only in charge until the end of the season and that an experienced coach will be brought in this summer, with current Netherlands boss Van Gaal the firm favourite. Many assumed that the new man would work with Giggs while he is groomed as his successor, but that plan may bite the dust if Van Gaal takes over. "Personal terms are not regarded as a stumbling block [but] the Dutchman’s determination to install a number of hand-picked coaches and analysts is a cause for concern within the United hierarchy," reports the Daily Telegraph. "Such an influx of staff would leave Giggs and his current interim regime some way down the pecking order at United and increase the likelihood of the group becoming disenchanted with their potential positions." Evidence of a split among fans and club officials could be emerging. "United's hierarchy have insisted privately that Giggs is not in contention to replace David Moyes on a permanent basis, with Louis van Gaal, the Holland coach, in pole position to get the job, but the most decorated player in English football history is garnering growing support from elsewhere in the club," says The Times. Reserve team goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard was even moved to comment "we are dealing with a new Guardiola", reports Sky Sports. However, the man who wore the United number one shirt before him, Edwin Van der Sar, is adamant that Van Gaal is the man for the job, describing him to the Daily Mirror as "the best manager I have ever played for", meaning he rates him higher than Alex Ferguson. Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti, another candidate for the role and touted as the ideal compromise by the Telegraph, has ruled himself out. Speaking before Real Madrid's Champions League semi final against Bayern Munich he said: "I haven't had contact with Manchester United. I want to stay at Real Madrid for a long time."