Giggs could be the new Pep

MANCHESTER United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard has thrown his support behind interim manager Ryan Giggs and claimed the Welshman could be the next Pep Guardiola.

Holland boss Louis van Gaal is the front runner to succeed David Moyes as United manager, but Lindegaard compared Giggs not only to the Bayern Munich boss but also to Sir Alex Ferguson.

He said: “It might sound pretty rash and naive, but we are dealing with a new Guardiola. What we have seen in the first week has been more than convincing.

“The similarities with Sir Alex Ferguson are striking and it is evident that Ryan Giggs has learned from one of history’s most respected football managers.”

He added: “Some would question whether you can go from being a team–mate one day to a manager the next. Normally I would have reservations as well, but Giggs is different.

“His latest speech, before the team went on to the pitch for the Norwich game, made my hairs stand on end in a way I have only ever experienced from Sir Alex Ferguson.”

Giggs’ chances look remote: the shortlist features Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, but it is understood United chiefs are determined to appoint a coach with significant managerial experience at the top of European football, which rules out Giggs.