Giggs: United appointment my proudest moment

Ryan Giggs has spoken of his pride at being named Manchester United interim manager but was coy on the possibility of staying on as boss.

The Welshman was placed in temporary charge at Old Trafford on Tuesday after the Premier League champions dismissed David Moyes 10 months into his six-year deal following a disappointing first season at the helm.

United legend Giggs is not thought to be among the leading contenders to take the role on a permanent basis, but he will assume control for at least the final four games of the season.

The 40-year-old is relishing the opportunity to lead the club where he has spent his entire professional career, and thanked predecessor Moyes for handing him his first coaching role in football.

“I’d like to go on record to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching, it’s something I’ll always remember when he rang and asked me to come on board. He gave me the opportunity for my first coaching role,” he said at a press conference on Friday.

“I’d like to say how proud I am to take charge for the remaining four games. It’s the club I’ve supported all my life and been associated with for 25 or 26 years.

“I’ve enjoyed the week, I’m proud more than anything, it’s probably the proudest moment of my career.

“I’ll enjoy the last two and a half weeks of the season and bring back some smiles on the faces of the fans and look forward to the game, just like a player really.”

Giggs was tight-lipped on whether he could remain in the job, insisting his focus is firmly on improving the teams fortunes – starting against relegation-threatened Norwich City on Saturday.

He added: “I’m just concentrating on the four games, including tomorrow against Norwich which is a tough game, they’re fighting for their lives.”

Giggs also confirmed his intention to continue in a playing capacity and jokingly stated that he has awarded himself a new long-term contract since taking over as boss.

“I’ve just give myself a new five-year contract,” he said “I’m using my power while I can. I haven’t done much this week but I’m still involved as a player.

“I’ve trained okay this week but the lads have looked sharp. There are 20-odd players involved with a shout.”