What United Means To Chicha

When Javier Hernandez made his surprise move from Mexico to Manchester United in 2010, it was a dream deal for a boy with big ambitions in the game…

It was more than emotion when I found out Manchester United wanted to sign me. What football means in my country, to make that jump from a team from Mexico to one of the biggest clubs in the world just doesn’t happen in Mexico.

The biggest player was perhaps Hugo Sanchez, but he went to Atletico Madrid before he transferred to Real Madrid, and Rafa Marquez went to AS Monaco before he joined Barcelona. But a player making that big jump straight to one of the big clubs doesn’t happen. It was difficult to believe. I say this honestly, but the only time I truly realised I was a United player was when I came to do the presentation with the media at Old Trafford.

Before that, I’d had phone calls with Sir Alex Ferguson and negotiations had taken place but I was just moving from moment to moment and I didn’t realise the magnitude of it all. I couldn’t take it all in. I joined up with the national team and played some games for Mexico and I think that helped at that time because I didn’t feel the expectation of such a big move – I couldn’t, because I couldn’t believe it.

After the presentation I realised I was a United player. Before that Jim Lawlor, the United scout, wanted me to keep the transfer quiet and even my family didn’t know. So that helped me to stay focused on playing with my national team and not thinking so much about actually being a Manchester United player.

But I was so proud to join this club, and I was so determined to take this chance that the club had given me. From the very first training session I wanted to show that.

A lot of people said, ‘It’s your first year, this is when you have to settle’. I wasn’t thinking about that, I was saying, ‘I don’t need a year to settle’. I just wanted to prove that I was the same level as the players here and I wanted to contribute and help the team to keep winning, to maintain that history of winning trophies.

I remember at the presentation at Old Trafford I was just smiling. It felt like a great achievement because I knew how hard I had worked and knew what it meant to my family after all that hard work – for me and my family – it felt like a triumph.

I was immensely proud to sign for Manchester United because I had suffered a lot to be here. I took satisfaction that I’d showed patience, hard work and it paid off. That’s the way that I like to be on and off the pitch – to show all those qualities – because that’s the player and the person I want to be. All that stuff I learned from my family, so it was a proud moment.

It took some time to get used to the weather, the food and the type of training, everything that, naturally, was different from what I knew in Mexico. But in my head and in my heart I didn’t want that first year to be one where I just settled, I wanted to play for United and prove every year that I can be in the best shape, in the best form and fitness and show what a footballer and a person I can be.

Anders: Let's End Season Well

Anders Lindegaard says it is vital that Manchester United end the current season with a winning run and take some momentum into the next campaign.

The Reds have the chance to build on the triumph over Norwich at home with two more outings at Old Trafford - against Sunderland on Saturday 3 May and Hull on the following Tuesday night, before rounding the season off away to Southampton.

That 4-0 victory over the Canaries, in the first game of Ryan Giggs’ temporary tenure as United manager, boosted spirits but the Danish goalkeeper agrees it’s important to not lose focus and ensure home advantage is utilised to full effect in the next two games.

“I think we could definitely gain something from doing that,” said Lindegaard. “In these last few games, we can put some markers down and have something to build upon next season. It’s a great opportunity to win back more confidence for the team and the fans.”

The 30-year-old is also convinced that the guidance of the most decorated player in the club’s history has set United up for a good end to the campaign.

“I think this situation to do it in is almost perfect,” assessed Anders. “We have someone guiding us like Ryan Giggs who everyone on the planet respects for what he has done in his football career.

“I must say he’s been great and he has handled everything very professionally. He seems to have stepped in with a huge amount of authority and respect. He doesn’t in any way seem overwhelmed. It’s probably the most difficult management job on the planet right now and he’s been doing great.”

RvP Close To Return To Action

Manchester United striker Robin van Persie could be back in action before the end of the season after making a quicker than expected return to fitness.

Van Persie was ruled out for six weeks after suffering a knee injury in the UEFA Champions League win over Olympiakos last month.

The Dutchman returned to light training last Friday and he could be in contention to face Sunderland this weekend if he comes through this week's training unscathed.

United interim manager Ryan Giggs admits they will assess Van Persie's fitness this week before deciding if he will return to action against Sunderland.

"We'll just have to wait and see how he goes this week," Giggs is quoted as saying in the Daily Mail.

"He came back last Friday and he trained well. He just needs to work on his fitness now so, yeah, he looked great."

The news of Van Persie's fitness will come as a boost to Holland as they will be hoping the striker will be back to full fitness ahead of this summer's World Cup finals.

Gary Neville Wants British Boss

Gary Neville would like to see Manchester United continue their tradition of appointing British managers - and wants Ryan Giggs to be given a chance.

Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal has emerged as the favourite for the job and the club confirmed on Monday they have held positive talks with him, but are continuing to keep their options open.

However, Neville says that the appointment of a 62-year-old who has never worked in the Premier League carries an element of risk and backed former team-mate Giggs to be considered after he guided the team to a 4-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.

"He's an experienced hand. He's won trophies in different countries and managed the biggest clubs in Europe," he told Monday Night Football.

"He's the favourite at the moment and we know nowadays, just through the weight of media speculation, sometimes, where jobs are going to go. I think at the moment it's pushing towards him.

"I would have liked to have seen Ryan have two or three games. He started well on Saturday, so let him have two or three more games to see whether he settles into the position and whether he can bed in and be given that role.

"I don't think there's any certainty wherever you go. There's the idea that Ryan hasn't got experience but he knows the club and there's the idea that Van Gaal has massive experience, but doesn't know the Premier League.

"At the end of the day the owners will do what they want to do. I suppose in some ways they want an experienced hand, but I personally would like to see a British manager be appointed because Manchester United have always appointed British managers.

"We'll wait and see."

Neville is concerned that Van Gaal might not be able to oversee an effective recruitment policy this summer because he will be taking charge of the Netherlands at the World Cup in Brazil.

And even though Giggs has no coaching experience, he highlighted managers such as Diego Simeone and Pep Guardiola who have stepped into the hot seat at big Spanish clubs and won titles.

Neville said: "There's no hard and fast rule in appointing managers nowadays. You see some managers go in who have little experience - Diego Simeone, Pep Guardiola or Kenny Dalglish all those years ago.

"Then there's the idea of managers who have one or two good seasons like Jose Mourinho. It worked for Chelsea and then Andre Villas-Boas didn't.

"You've seen different examples of how sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't work. There is no hard and fast rule and until you appoint someone you haven't got a clue whether it's going to work or not.

"From that point of view, people say Ryan's got no experience but then is Van Gaal going to work? We don't know.

"It's a call for people at the club."

Lindegaard: Giggs Could Be The New Pep Guardiola

Anders Lindegaard has backed Ryan Giggs to become permanent Manchester United manager and claimed the Welshman could be the next Pep Guardiola.

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

Giggs has already won the backing of the likes of Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand and now Danish goalkeeper Lindegaard feels the all-time United record appearance holder could step up to the manager role full-time.

Lindegaard, who was on the bench for Giggs' first game in charge in the 4-0 win over Norwich, was impressed by the Welshman and feels he has learnt things from former United boss Ferguson.

"It might sound pretty rash and naive, but, in my opinion, we are dealing with a new Guardiola," Lindegaard wrote in his column for Betfair.com.dk.

"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.

"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, in the case of Giggs, it is different.

"His latest speech, before the team went onto the pitch for the Norwich game, made my hairs stand on end in a way that I have only ever experienced from Sir Alex Ferguson: Do not disappoint the fans!"

Giggs' chances look remote even though sources close to the club insist Van Gaal is only one of several names on a shortlist.

Those names include Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, but it is understood United chiefs are determined to appoint a coach with a significant level of managerial experience at the very top of European football and that rules out Giggs.

Despite van Gaal being the overwhelming favourite to be named as United's new manager Sky Sports sources understands Manchester United are considering other candidates to be their new manager, despite positive talks with the Dutchman.

Van Gaal will be Netherlands boss at this summer's World Cup, but will then step down and he is thought to have held initial talks with United officials.

Other names in the frame include Real Madrid chief Carlo Ancelotti, Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone and Borussia Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp.

Meanwhile, former United defender Gary Neville has revealed he would like United to appoint a British boss and hopes Giggs is given more of a chance to impress in the role.

"I would have liked to have seen Ryan have two or three games," Neville told Monday Night Football.

"He started well on Saturday, so let him have two or three more games to see whether he settles into the position and whether he can bed in and be given that role.

"At the end of the day the owners will do what they want to do. I suppose in some ways they want an experienced hand, but I personally would like to see a British manager be appointed because Manchester United have always appointed British managers."

Manchester United's Options Open On New Manager

Manchester United are considering other candidates to be their new manager, despite positive talks with Louis van Gaal, according to Sky sources.

Van Gaal remains the bookies' favourite to replace David Moyes, who was sacked last week.

Ryan Giggs has been put in charge until the end of the season, and United hammered Norwich 4-0 in his first match on Saturday.

Van Gaal will be Netherlands boss at this summer's World Cup, but will then step down. He had been linked with Tottenham but it is understood he has held talks with United, and that they went well.

United though are keeping their options open with other candidates still in the frame.

It has not been confirmed who they are, but the likes of Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone - who has guided his team to the brink of La Liga title and the semi-finals of the Champions League - Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp and even Giggs himself could be in the frame.

Moyes was sacked after a disappointing season in which United lost 11 matches and failed to qualify for next season's Champions League.

They did reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League where they were knocked out by Bayern Munich, and there was no joy in the domestic cups either.

Moyes - recruited from Everton last summer - paid the price, with the owners losing patience with the perceived lack of progress.

The new manager - whoever he is - is likely to have a transfer fund of over £100m to spend to strengthen the squad in the summer.

Credit: Skysports.com

Keane Rules Out A Return To Manchester United

Roy Keane has played down speculation he could return to Manchester United, but revealed he wants to return to management in the future.

Louis van Gaal is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed the departed David Moyes at Old Trafford, and former United skipper Keane has been linked with a key role on his staff.

However, the 42-year-old, who is currently working as assistant to Republic of Ireland manager Martin O'Neill, has moved to dampen the rumours.

"People keep asking me, ironically, about other jobs. I have got a job and I am very happy in my job," Keane told Irish radio station Today FM.

Keane left United in 2005 after falling out with Sir Alex Ferguson and admits he is unlikely to speak to his former manager again.

"No, I am not sure. Probably not. But look, I have said that about other people," added Keane.

"Football is a funny old game and you get clashes of personality sometimes, but it's something that's not on my mind at the moment, to be honest with you, whether it be good or bad."

Keane admitted he harbours hopes of a return to management one day, although he insisted that is not currently his main focus.

"In my quiet moments, I obviously want to go back into being a manager myself."

Asked if his dream was for that to be at Old Trafford, he said: "No, I don't think that way.

"I was at a match on Friday night, I was at a match on Saturday and I am up in the stand thinking, 'I would love to have a team'.

"And then I'll get back in my car and I spoke to Martin, I think it was on Saturday night, and then I am thinking obviously I am delighted to be working with Martin and [goalkeeping coach] Seamus [McDonagh] and the other staff, so you have to be careful what you wish for.

"I am just really appreciating the opportunity I have at the moment. What happens further down the road..."

Kolasinac Makes United Claim

Schalke defender Sead Kolasinac is quoted as telling the Bosnian media that Manchester United have expressed an interest in signing him.

Kolasinac has impressed at Schalke this season and United are thought to have identified the full-back as a possible replacement for Patrice Evra.

The Bosnia-Herzegovina international claims he has an offer on the table from United, but that he is in no rush to make a decision on his future.

"It is true me and my club both got an official offer from Manchester United," Kolasinac told Bosnian newspaper Dnevni Avaz. "But at this moment I wouldn't like to talk much about this.

"My manager knows all about this offer from England and together we will think and then make a decision.

"I will take my time, I will not hurry.

"I have to think seriously about an offer like that and of course the Schalke board have to think about it."

Giggs Backs Manchester United To Recover Next Season

Ryan Giggs is confident Manchester United will be challenging for the Premier League title again next season.

The reigning champions have endured a turbulent 2013/14 campaign, with little resistance offered as the top flight crown has been snatched from their grasp.

A top-six finish is the best they can hope for now, with a succession of setbacks having cost David Moyes his job just 10 months after he was charged with the task of picking up the baton put down by the retiring Sir Alex Ferguson.

United stalwart Giggs has been handed the reins on an interim basis, and he got off to a winning start on Saturday as Norwich City were swept aside 4-0 at Old Trafford.

It remains to be seen whether he will be the man asked to rebuild in the summer - with Holland coach Louis van Gaal still a strong favourite to land the role full-time - but Giggs believes that whoever is charge next term will have a squad capable of competing for major honours.

He said: "We've got everything in place to have a successful season next year. We've certainly got the players.

"It's going to be hard, obviously, because we've had a tough season and obviously the lads at Liverpool have improved and other teams around us have improved.

"It won't be easy, but I'm confident."

He added on claims that United are now a side in decline: "We won the league last year. The year before we lost it on goal difference, the year before that we won it.

"Where did Liverpool come last year, seventh? Who would have said they would be where they are this year, so a lot can change."

For now, Giggs' focus is locked on ending the current campaign as positively as possible - with the Welshman having entered the unknown by accepting a temporary managerial post.

He added: "I have obviously been here a long time and I know the ins and outs of the club, but there's so many other things I never knew about because I've never been in this position before.

"They all add up during the day and they all add up during the week and it's tough. But I'm enjoying it."

Jones' Debt To Vidic

Phil Jones admits Manchester United team-mate Nemanja Vidic has been a huge influence on his career.

The skipper is departing Old Trafford in the summer after agreeing a switch to Inter Milan under the Bosman Ruling but is continuing to teach his younger colleagues some valuable lessons.

Vidic started alongside Rio Ferdinand when interim manager Ryan Giggs selected his first team at the weekend, with Jones deployed at right-back and impressing in helping to keep a clean sheet against Norwich City.

When asked by United Review, the official matchday programme, about the biggest thing he has learned from Vidic, Jones replied: "It's just his all-round game. From his communication to his passing to his tackling to his heading, he's got some many great attributes.

"You learn off him every day in training, even if he doesn't say anything, you just watch and learn. He's been a huge influence on my career at United and has really helped me along the way. I owe him a lot and I am grateful for everything he's done."

In terms of the defence as a whole, the key to success is continuity and consistency in the England international's opinion.

"There are different elements to it," he explained. "Communication and concentration, of course, but I think you always want to have a settled back four. That helps everyone in the defence and it's something that's been difficult for us at times this season because of injuries. We all just want to keep improving defensively and as a team as a whole."

Mata Sad To See Season End

In his weekly blog, birthday boy Juan Mata feels the fans deserved a day to remember on Saturday...

I want to thank you for all your congratulations and messages of support following the game against Norwich. That win was extremely important for sure, since it was a happy ending to a complicated week with big changes, as you know.

It was Ryan Giggs' first game as a manager after plenty of years of success on the pitch, and the truth is everything went well. Our fans deserve that, indeed. They deserve scores like this one because, in this tough season, they have gone home with a downcast face too many times. So that's what we are going to try in the remaining games.

Obviously, I don't want to forget that, since the beginning of the week, David Moyes is no longer our manager. I wish him and his technical staff the best of luck in the future, and I do thank him for his continuous interest in me and his importance during my transfer to become a Manchester United player.

The season goes on, although just for three more games, which makes me kind of sad because I'm feeling really good and I would love this Premier League to last a few more weeks.

Lastly, by the time you read these lines it will be already 28 April! I came to this world on a day like this 26 years ago, time flies! I am pleased to celebrate one more birthday and to keep having a lot of people around me that give me affection and support every day. People I know will be there forever. That is the best present to me.

Mata Backing For Giggs

Juan Mata feels Ryan Giggs is the perfect man to lead Manchester United after getting off to a winning start against Norwich.

Giggs' reign as United manager got off to the best start possible on Saturday as the Red Devils strolled to a 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford.

After a slightly cumbersome first half United sprang into life after the break, playing with width, pace and flair - just as Giggs had demanded.

Giggs may not be under consideration for the post on a full-time basis, but many of the 75,208 fans who were inside Old Trafford wish he was.

Mata is also a big fan of Giggs, even though he was dropped to the bench by the Welshman for Saturday's game.

"If we speak about Ryan we speak about a Manchester United person," said Mata, who scored twice following his introduction on the hour mark.

"He was very successful here as a player and now he is leading the team. We are all happy because who is better to do it?"

Giggs said prior to kick-off that he wanted to "restore the positivity" around the club following an extremely disappointing campaign under David Moyes.

The 40-year-old certainly did that. The greeting Giggs received from the fans as he strode down the touchline in his club suit was real Roy of the Rovers stuff.

There was little mention of Moyes at Old Trafford. The 'Chosen One' banner had gone and Giggs did his best to make a clean break from the Scot's reign.

Giggs made six changes to the team that lost 2-0 to Everton in Moyes' final game in charge while Marouane Fellaini - the Scot's £27.5million signing - was not even on the bench.

Mata, another of Moyes' signings, was happy to end a tumultuous few days for the club on a high.

"It has been a difficult week for us," the Spaniard told MUTV.

"A change of manager is never good news because it means that you are not doing the things right but today it was very important to win and give the fans what they deserve."

Moyes made no mention of the United playing squad in his midweek statement, but Mata, for one, was sad to see the 51-year-old go.


"I will always be grateful to him because he was the one who brought me here and gave me the chance to play for this amazing club," said Mata, who signed for United from Chelsea for £37.5million in January.

"I wish him and his staff the best in the future."

Giggs admitted he barely slept on the eve of the match as he was worried about dropping some of his team-mates, such as Mata.

But it turned out all right for the interim United boss. Norwich never looked like beating David de Gea once the hosts found their rhythm.

Giggs was happy with his team's performance, but he knows he must stay grounded.

"I thought we ended the game really well," said Giggs, who has been told he will be in charge until the end of the season.

"It would have been nice if Chicho (Javier Hernandez) had scored a fifth at the end but I can't get too greedy. And I can't get carried away either. It's the first game. We are at Old Trafford and we are expected to win.

"We will look forward to the Sunderland game and hope for the same performance."

Jones Denies Players Gave Up On David Moyes

Phil Jones has denied that Manchester United's squad stopped playing for former manager David Moyes.

Moyes was sacked on Tuesday after United's hopes of claiming a Champions League place were ended by a defeat at Everton the previous Sunday.

"Players don't go out on the football pitch to lose games," said Jones, after Saturday's 4-0 win over Norwich.

"We are sorry he has lost his job and we didn't get some of the results we would have liked to for him."

The defeat at Everton ensured United are resigned to missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time since 1995.

Unless they can climb from their present seventh place, they will not even claim a place in next season's Europa League.

Moyes was criticised for his work in the transfer market and a perceived negative style of play.

But England defender Jones, 22, said he had sympathy at Moyes losing his job only nine months into a six-year contract.

"He is a nice man, a nice fella and we wish him all the best," he said.

Asked whether the players stopped trying for Moyes, Jones insisted: "Everyone wants to win every game at this club.

"It's not happened for whatever reason but we need to move on quickly and end the season well."

Former Birmingham and Aston Villa manager Alex McLeish believes the pay-off negotiated between the League Managers Association and United would provide little consolation to Moyes.

"Myself and David Moyes, we are driven people and we want to work," said McLeish.

"You look at your own personal situation and you want to get back - it's nothing to do with the money, you want to get back in the dug-out."

Rio Rules Out Retirement

Rio Ferdinand has insisted he will not be retiring at the end of the season as he hopes to stay on at Manchester United.

The 35-year-old returned to the side for the 4-0 success against Norwich City and produced a flawless display alongside Nemanja Vidic in Ryan Giggs' first game in charge.

By emphasising the fact that a trophyless season is not acceptable at Old Trafford, the defender is convinced the club will put things right in 2014/2015.

"I’m going to continue playing," he told reporters. "Whether it’s here, I don’t know. But I hope so.

"When you have been successful, you don't ever want to look on a negative perspective or from a negative viewpoint. You always look at it and think: 'What can we win and what do we want to win?'

"That will be no different next season, I am sure. Whoever is here, whoever is managing, the aim of this football club is to win trophies and we have done that consistently for the last 25 years. Long may that continue."

Interim boss Giggs clearly has the backing of his long-serving team-mate and there is a determination to end the campaign on a high.

"It is too short a time for us to notice any major changes," explained Ferdinand. "The sessions he [Giggs] has put on have been good and we have enjoyed them. It is always natural when there has been a change in the coaching or management team, invariably, that the intensity goes up because everyone wants to impress and everyone wants to play in the first game for the new manager. This here is a new chance and a new opportunity. That is no different now than what I have seen over the years with different teams and with England.

"Giggsy has got a big responsibility now and it is more important to look forward, with all of the lads getting behind him to make sure that we finish the season as well as possible, give the fans something to smile about and also give him the rewards that his career deserves and in his first dip into management.

"I haven’t looked at the league table for ages because it is embarrassing," Ferdinand conceded. "I don’t want to see where we are. That is down to us as players and we take responsibility for that as much as anyone else. We are where we are. We have to take some form of responsibility and we do. We are not shirkers, we are not people who don’t take responsibility. I don’t think you get to where many of us have got to in our careers and won what we have won without taking responsibility. This is no different."

Ferdinand will feel he should have played more often this season but does he think it has been the most difficult spell of his successful career?

"I don’t know," he replied. "It has been the most disappointing. That is a better way of saying it. We haven’t won games and we are used to winning, that is what we play for and that is what we go to training every day for, to prepare to win. We haven’t done that.

"You have got to accept some decisions that have to be made. Some managers play you and some managers don’t, everyone has got their personal preferences. That is football. Just as a whole, looking at it from a team perspective, we are not where we want to be so that is disappointing."

Jones: Giggs Is United

Phil Jones does not know what the future holds for Ryan Giggs - but he hopes his interim manager will be involved with Manchester United "in some capacity" next season.

Giggs took charge of the first team on a temporary basis following the departure of David Moyes and got off to a flying start with a comfortable 4-0 win over Norwich City, a triumph achieved with a brace apiece from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata at Old Trafford.

Although the 40-year-old is only the boss until the end of this campaign, Jones feels that a player of his experience and success is highly likely to be retained within the club.

“Whatever happens, I am sure Ryan will be involved in some capacity, he has been involved with the club for a number of years and what he has achieved at this club is phenomenal,” said Jones.

“He is a legend at this club and we just hope that we finish the season strongly for him. What he has done in the game and at this club, he has got all of the experience anyone could ever ask for. Hopefully we can enjoy the remaining games.

“There's one thing for sure, I won’t be taking the mickey out of him - if I do, I will be sat in the stands with him! The banter is flying and the lads are buzzing but come kick-off time it is down to business. All jokes go out the window, it is business time and we have to go out and produce.”

When asked for his thoughts on Saturday’s victory over the Canaries, Jones was satisfied with what turned out to be a comfortable win in the Barclays Premier League.

“It is nice to get a win at home and send the fans home happy, give Giggsy the start he desperately wanted and you could tell the lads were right at it today. In the first half we were probably a bit slow but in the second half we really got to grips with the game and we put the game to bed.”

United's Band Of Brothers

Former Manchester United youth team coach Eric Harrison believes the coaching staff currently in charge are the Reds' very own band of brothers.

Ryan Giggs, Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes came through the ranks together and were tutored by Harrison, who helped shape them as footballers and characters. Each of the quartet had their name yelled by the Stretford End during Giggs' first game in interim charge on Saturday, a 4-0 victory against Norwich City.

Although Giggs is the boss, Harrison says he will be leaning on his pals for advice as United approach the final three games of a difficult season.

"I think really that they are like brothers," explained Harrison to MUTV. "They are very, very close to each other. They have all got their coaching badges, you have got to remember that, as they wouldn't be able to do it otherwise.

"Ryan really talks to them. If Butt says something, Ryan will say: 'Yes, you have your say' and all that business. It's not just Ryan Giggs [on his own]." Harrison says Giggs' appointment made sense as he is so well respected within the club.

"My first thought was this can't be true but now I'm absolutely delighted," he enthused. "I think he has been a very good appointment.

"When I worked with him, he just took everything in. Nothing went in one ear and out of the other. He's a very sensible lad and, to be honest, a legend as well. The crowd and players love him and he's a great player.

"Every manager is under pressure and the buck stops with him. Hopefully he can get through that and get a winning mentality with all the players, which is important."

Spanish Reds Pay Tribute To Tito

Juan Mata and David De Gea both wore black armbands during Manchester United’s 4-0 Barclays Premier League win over Norwich on Saturday as a mark of respect following the sad news that Tito Vilanova passed away on Friday.

Vilanova was head coach at Barcelona and a respected figure in Spanish football but sadly lost his fight with cancer this week, and his countrymen wanted to make a gesture.

After the game, in which Juan scored two goals, he said: "It was for Tito Vilanova. It has been a difficult week and this was the saddest news for every person that loves football.

“He was very important at Barcelona and in Spanish football in general. I feel very sad and I wanted to give my support to his friends and family.”

After the news broke, David De Gea paid tribute on his Twitter account, writing: “A very sad day. Tito Vilanova has left us but his fighting remains as an example. RIP. Great hug to all his family.”

United’s Twitter account, @ManUtd, followed with the message: "#mufc is saddened to hear that Tito Vilanova has passed away. We extend sincere condolences to his family and our friends at @FCBarcelona."

Old Trafford United Again By Giggs

Two managerial rookies took to the stage at Old Trafford on Saturday evening - but by the end of a one-sided 90 minutes it was Premier League football's newest boss who looked very much at home.

It may have been 'only Norwich' - but Ryan Giggs delivered on his promise to inject some life into a Manchester United side who had been beaten by Stoke, West Brom, Swansea and Sunderland already this season, dealing up a comprehensive 4-0 win. and leaving fellow new manager Neil Adams staring nervously at relegation.

As Giggs emerged from the tunnel before the match and strode towards the home dugout, more than 70,000 supporters rose to acclaim one of their own. Old Trafford was united again.

In his record 962 appearances, Giggs has become the club's most decorated player after two decades of almost continual success. His first match as manager - albeit a temporary one - came with United at their lowest Premier League ebb.

The 40-year-old was appointed interim manager on Tuesday following the dismissal of David Moyes, just 10 months after he succeeded Sir Alex Ferguson as manager.

All signs of Moyes's 10-month tenure were already gone. 'The Chosen One' sign that had hung from the Stretford End at Old Trafford since August had been removed as a party atmosphere engulfed Old Trafford once more.

Giggs made the walk towards his seat pre-match on his own looking every inch the manager. He was dressed smartly in a club suit and tie and solemnly applauded the supporters who were giving him a hero's welcome. He even found time to sign a few autographs.

It would have been easy to imagine that United were on their way to winning one of the 13 Premier League titles the Welshman has won, such was the atmosphere.

Not coming to the end of a season that is already guaranteed to record their lowest points tally in the Premier League era, bring no trophies and the likelihood of missing out on European qualification altogether next season.

Flags were waving, supporters were in full voice and there was a celebratory mood around the 'Theatre of Dreams' as United fans hoped they were waking from a nightmare.

Even before the match you could sense something had changed. Giggs promised to bring the smiles back to faces and to get the team playing 'the United way' and the first part of that promise was immediately kept.

A group of fans chanted "United are back" as they walked down Sir Alex Ferguson Way. A bit premature yes, but it was a sign of the new sense of optimism Giggs's temporary appointment has brought.

"There is real relief," said United fan John McCormack, 45. "I was feeling depressed in recent weeks and it must have been because of United.

"Ryan Giggs is a legend. Having him in charge until the end of the season brings some positivity back. The board have to get the next appointment right but at least we can all enjoy the last few games. That is something we haven't done much this season."

How long Giggs's first taste of management lasts remains to be seen. Although, with United forced to play down a report that Netherlands boss Louis van Gaal has agreed to become the new manager, it seems increasingly likely it will be just four matches.

Giggs promised to put his own stamp on things and his first team selection did just that. Moyes's two big-money signings - Juan Mata and Marouane Fellaini - were dropped as he made six changes from the 2-0 defeat at Everton which ended Moyes's reign.

Giggs admitted he suffered a sleepless night on Friday as he fretted over his XI, telling record £37m signing Mata face-to-face that he would not be starting, but he was rewarded with a fine cameo from the Spaniard who added two goals from the bench.

With Giggs joined on his coaching staff by Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes - three fellow members of the 'class of 92' - Old Trafford expected a return to the good times after six defeats at home under Moyes this season.

The quartet of United legends have made 2,453 appearances for the club and won 61 medals between them and, from the off, they got the class of 2014 attempting to play with the pace and width that had brought much of their success.

The Old Trafford faithful had never turned against Moyes but, as he struggled to turn the club's fortunes around, his presence was becoming increasingly divisive. There was no such division on Saturday.

A plane sporting the sarcastic message "Thank you Moyes - Malta FF", organised by a group of Maltese fans, was the only reminder of the past 10 months but the drone of the aircraft was drowned out by the supporters inside the ground.

Giggs's first foray onto the edge of his technical area to pass a message onto his players was greeted with a loud roar of approval, as was virtually every appearance thereafter. The whole repertoire of Giggs songs were sung within the first 10 minutes as he watched on intently.

United started as though Giggs's emphasis on attack had made an impact. There was a pace and urgency about the side that had been lacking for most of the campaign and they were rewarded with Wayne Rooney's penalty just before half time.

Giggs's response? A subtle double fist clench and another set of instructions shouted out to his players.

Things were to get better after the break as some of the old United swagger returned. Rooney curled in United's second, before substitute Mata added a double.

As United dominated, Giggs, Scholes, Butt and Neville looked in complete control as the club's new management team.

Instructions kept coming and the players looked to respond as they played with a sense of freedom that was rarely there under Moyes.

Giggs ended the match as he had begun it, walking down the touchline to his name being sung by the supporters. A quick round of applause to all sections of the ground, a handshake with Norwich boss Adams and his managerial debut was over.

The American Glazer family have turned to a managerial rookie to steady the club but, his first few days in the job suggest he will have no problem stepping out of Sir Alex Ferguson's shadow - something Moyes never achieved.

His legendary status is already secured and his promotion from player-coach to interim boss appears to have instantly commanded the respect of players and fans alike.

Just six weeks ago, Giggs had been on a media training course as part of his Uefa coaching badges. He already seems to be natural.

Just as he was in the build-up, Giggs was composed, thoughtful and endearing in the post-match news conference. He already has the media eating out of his hands, has the fans support and got an emphatic response from the players.

Could United's long-term answer already be at Old Trafford?

Ferguson once wrote in his autobiography: "Ryan could definitely be a manager because he is so wise and players invariably respect him."

Sooner or later you get the feeling Sir Alex will once again be proved right.

Hansen: Giggs Will Have 'Tidal Wave' Of Support

Alan Hansen believes Ryan Giggs will enjoy a "tidal wave" of support in his bid to become Manchester United's new manager if they end the term strongly.

In temporary charge after David Moyes' sacking, Giggs enjoyed a 4-0 win over Norwich City on his managerial debut.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal remains favourite to be United's next boss.

But Hansen said: "If Ryan Giggs wins the next three matches 4-0, there will be a tidal wave of sentiment in his favour from everywhere."

Speaking on BBC's Match of the Day, the former Liverpool captain said the support would come from "inside and outside Old Trafford".

Giggs has the remaining three matches - home games against Sunderland and Hull and a trip to Southampton - to impress United's board with his managerial qualities.

His odds on becoming United's next manager have already dropped from 14-1 to 7-2 following Saturday's comprehensive Premier League victory over Norwich.

He also has influential support with Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly telling a charity lunch this week that United should give the job permanently to the player he signed as a 14-year-old schoolboy in 1987.

But Netherlands coach Van Gaal, 62, will be available once his contract with the Dutch national team expires after the end of the World Cup finals in Brazil. United have denied any deal has already been signed.

Van Gaal has previously been linked with a summer move to Tottenham.

BBC pundit Robbie Savage believes Van Gaal would be the best appointment, allowing him to rebuild the team with Giggs groomed as his successor.

"I would give it to Van Gaal and Giggs the one after him," he told Match of the Day. "He has the experience around the world and I think he can do it."

Giggs, now 40, admitted his debut as a manager could not have gone much better.

"All the years I walked out at Old Trafford, I've never felt like that," said Giggs."I felt 10 feet tall.

"I enjoyed it and 4-0 is a dream day for us so I'm really pleased."

The Welshman had promised a return to an exciting brand of football and to put smiles back on faces after a "frustrating" season.

He made six changes to the team which lost at Everton last weekend and his side responded with 11 shots on target - more than in any previous league game this season - as two goals apiece from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata sealed a comfortable win.

Despite the comfortable success, the United boss dodged questions on holding any long-term hopes of landing the job on a permanent basis, instead saying he "was focused on Sunderland" - their next opponents.

United trail sixth-placed Tottenham by six points with one game in hand, but are resigned to falling short of 70 points for the first time since 1991.

Van Gaal Or Giggs? Man. United Can't Afford To Get This Appointment Wrong.....

Ryan Giggs cannot be ruled out as Manchester United's long-term boss despite reports that Louis van Gaal has got the job, says the Sunday Supplement panel.

United denied stories in the Dutch press on Saturday that van Gaal would be David Moyes' successor but there are fresh claims in The Sun on Sunday that the Holland coach has agreed a £40m, four-year deal to take over.

The paper says Giggs would stay on as player-coach but its journalist Charlie Wyett, Jason Burt, of the Sunday Telegraph and The People's Steve Bates say the Welshman remains in the running for the top job following United's 4-0 victory over Norwich.

Decision

"Van Gaal is certainly pushing for it, that's for sure," said Wyett. "There is clearly something going on there, that's for sure - whether it's quite as far down the line as van Gaal believes - or wants us all to believe - I'm not so sure.

"I guess van Gaal wants it announced as soon as possible if it is going to happen; I think United would be crazy to rush it. I think they've got to test the water and just see if Carlo Ancelotti would be interested to leave Real Madrid.

"I still think Ancelotti would be a great fit for United; he loves managing in the Premier League, he loved managing Chelsea and I still think they were crazy for letting him go.

"Let's see how United get on in the next couple of weeks with Giggs. Let's not forget that after the great atmosphere when Giggs walked towards his technical area, United were pretty average for the 40 minutes until they got quite a soft penalty.

"The board have got to see how United do under Giggs and if they win the next three games, they've got a big decision to make. But at the moment van Gaal is certainly doing a good sales job."

Campaign

Giggs revealed the he felt "10 foot tall, so proud" walking to the dug-out on Saturday to oversee United for the first time and described the 4-0 win as a "dream day".

Burt, though, said the winger - who played 962 times for United - should be behind van Gaal and Carlo Ancelotti in the pecking order to get the job full-time because he simply doesn't have enough managerial experience.

"It will be interesting if United win these four games convincingly with good performances because there will be a clamour and a campaign started to give Giggs the job," he reflected.

"United were clear last week that he's not going to get the job - they say that they have a list of criteria that the new manager has to fill and the one they will not compromise on is the minimum level of experience. Giggs is therefore out of the equation.

"The problem for United, obviously, is they can't get this appointment wrong. They have to get an absolutely sure-fire success with this appointment because otherwise it is going to be a real problem for them.

"I don't know Giggs but everyone tells me that he will be a good manager and coach and sometimes you think, why not? It has happened before and if you get the right structure around him - who knows?

"Van Gaal and Ancelotti are the sort of guys that United need to be looking at; maybe someone like Giggs comes in after that."

Ruthlessness

Bates, though, believes Giggs' stellar playing career should outweigh his inexperience as a manager when United consider his case and believes that the Welshman - flanked by Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville - can usher in a new era of success at Old Trafford.

"I understand the argument that Giggs has not got the managerial experience but let's strip that back: he's won 13 league titles," he insisted.

"Let's balance up a manager who has won a couple of league titles against a player who has won 13 league titles.

He added: "Yesterday Giggs, for me, showed a ruthlessness that means he's going to be a good manager in the future; he dropped Juan Mata - a £37m signing who, by all accounts, has done very well in training. He's excited some of United's own players there. Giggs clearly didn't think that Mata was good enough to start.

"That, for me, is an immediate indication that he's not going to soft-pedal. Marouane Fellaini was nowhere near the squad yesterday and neither was Adnan Januzaj.

"If Giggs does win these remaining games and they are winnable - Sunderland at home, Southampton away, Hull at home before they play Arsenal in the FA Cup final - he has to be in the running.

"While I understand that United, behind the scenes, are briefing that Giggs will not get this job I don't see how you can summarily dismiss him."

Credit: Skysports.com

Van Gaal Coy On United Link

Louis van Gaal is remaining coy on talk that he is poised to become Manchester United's new manager.

Widespread reports have suggested that van Gaal is the leading contender to replace David Moyes at Old Trafford after leading Holland at this summer's World Cup finals.

United have denied suggestions that they have already agreed a deal with Dutchman van Gaal and insist they have yet to identify a new manager.

Ryan Giggs has been named interim manager until a new boss is found and the United legend got off to a winning start in his first game in charge with a resounding 4-0 victory over Norwich on Saturday.

There have been question marks over the suitability of van Gaal for the United job due to his age, but the 62-year-old insists that would not be an issue for him taking over at Old Trafford.

"Am I young enough for the job? I think you can see that in my CV," van Gaal is quoted as saying in The Sun.

Former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach van Gaal also denied reports that he met with United owners the Glazer family, prior to the departure of Moyes saying: No I didn't meet them."

Meanwhile, van Gaal's Holland assistant Patrick Kluivert, believes the manager would be perfect for Manchester United.

"He would be absolutely the first pick of any club, especially top teams everywhere in the world," Kluivert told Talksport.

"He likes to let young players make their debut if ready for it.

"The most important thing at the moment is I'm personally enjoying working with him and with the Dutch national team. We're going to the World Cup and hope to do well."

Former Newcastle striker Kluivert has been tipped to join van Gaal at Old Trafford should he be named United's new manager and Kluivert admits he would be honoured to work with his fellow Dutchman at club level.

"Sure I would (do the job) wherever in the world because I love working with him," he said.

"It doesn't matter what club it will be if he asks me to join him, I would be absolutely honoured to be on his side."

Schmeichel: Giggs Can Boss Man. United Permanently

Peter Schmeichel says he can see interim boss Ryan Giggs becoming Manchester United manager on a long-term basis.

Former United goalkeeper Schmeichel told Soccer AM that he's convinced that Giggs "will get results" at Old Trafford, not least because he's got fellow members of the 'Class of 92' - Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and Paul Scholes - on his staff.

"I was so proud reading the newspapers this morning and seeing the four guys," said the Dane, who captained United to the treble in 1999. "Ryan's there with Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt.

"I was a senior player when they came into the first-team squad as youngsters and their enthusiasm, willingness to learn and eagerness to win and become Manchester United players - to see that picture this morning was absolutely fantastic.

"I know there are so many rumours about who is going to be the next manager. Ryan has got four games and I'm looking at that group of players and thinking 'why not?'

"This is what Manchester United needs - a very big dose of real Manchester United. Ryan said this in his press conference - we need to get the speed, the tempo, the courage; these are all Sir Alex's words. He's been having them in in his ear for 25 years.

"I can see Ryan taking over with that kind of backroom team but I can also see someone older and more mature sitting next to him as a director of football, a David Gill-kind of guy who could support him and take some of the difficult administrative responsibilities and some of the dealings away from him because that's the difficult part.

"But in terms of working with the players that are there, I'm absolutely convinced that Ryan - who is a top guy - will get results. I'm absolutely convinced of that."

Moyes' departure was confirmed on Tuesday only 10 months after he left Everton to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson as United boss.

Schmeichel said he found the brevity of Moyes' reign hard to accept and accused some of United's players of letting the Scot down by underperforming.

"I'm struggling with that [the sacking] because if you go by results you say 'yes, the results have not been great'. A club like Manchester United should be in the Champions League as a minimum; it should be competing for some kind of silverware," he said.

"On the other hand I don't like Manchester United being a football club that has that kind of impatience and to say '10 months and that's not good enough; let's move onto the next manager'.

"As everybody else who supports Manchester United, I'm very, very disappointed with how the season has gone and on the other hand if we can turn it around and be competitive again I think we will appreciate it more because of what has happened this season.

"In all fairness in the last 20 years we've been spoilt with great results. We should be strong and be big enough to deal with one year of poor results.

"The whole combination just didn't work this season. Once you get to the football club you realise how big it is and you can't do everything. You've got to find your way.

"David Moyes came into the club with a mentality of what he had at Everton where he was doing all of the coaching, all of the management; he was doing everything at Everton. You can't do that at Manchester United - you have to delegate.

"I think it gets time to get to the point where he would know exactly what everybody could do and is capable of doing so he could delegate. A lot of people at the football club need to take responsibility for the way this season has gone and a lot of them are players; some of them have been very disappointing in the way they've performed and the way their attitude has been in football games.

"We played Liverpool at home and they got a couple of penalties and some of the players just gave up and I've never, ever seen that in my life. I think that has been happening throughout the season - players haven't been giving it 100 per cent, which you should expect from Manchester United players. For me that has been really disappointing."

Massive job

Schmeichel sounded shell-shocked when he was interviewed on Sky Sports News on the day it was confirmed last May that Ferguson would be leaving United at the end of last season.

Looking back, the former stopper remains surprised at the timing of the announcement, not least because it left Moyes with little time to prepare for that summer's transfer window.

"It came out of absolutely nowhere," recalled Schmeichel. "I woke up that morning and had a text from someone I know at the club with a link to an article saying this could have traction, and it was a story that he might leave that very same day.

"It was completely out of the blue. Sometimes with these things you hear little bits and pieces now and again but absolutely nothing had come before that. I texted this guy back and said 'I don't believe this' and within two hours it was confirmed.

"It really was a shock. I had no idea what made Sir Alex decide that it was that day exactly but from that moment on everything changed. Something must have gone on because, for me, it was very, very sudden.

"I thought it was a very good decision [to appoint Moyes]. David Moyes has been on Sir Alex's radar for a long, long time - even when Moyes was at Preston Sir Alex was trying to get him in as his number two.

"I think he always looked at Moyes as a potential successor. The stability that he provided at Everton and the fact that he really did a great job with them, meant that the credentials were there.

"But Manchester United is a massive job and you need time to get your head around the job and prepare yourself. David Moyes would have been prepared for a transfer window with Everton and, no disrespect to Everton Football Club, it's different when it is Manchester United. They need different types of players and he just didn't have any time to scout Europe for whatever players he thought were needed at the club.

"We have to remind ourselves that Paul Scholes left the club and so did David Gill; Gill was doing all of the football 'shopping'. He was so experienced in the transfer market and Ed Woodward took over and he didn't have the experience and I think that's been a factor as well."

Yorke: Giggs Gave Players Freedom

Dwight Yorke believes Manchester United's players played better under Ryan Giggs because they had smiles on their faces again.

The club's first game since the departure of David Moyes resulted in a 4-0 victory at Old Trafford, their biggest home win of the season, and the team had more attempts than in any other Premier League game they'd played.

Wayne Rooney opened the scoring with a penalty shortly before half-time and scored again after the break before substitute Juan Mata added a brace of his own.

Former United striker Yorke, who was watching the game in the Sky Sports studio, believes interim manager Giggs gave the players the freedom to go out and enjoy playing football again.

"I think it's been an outstanding debut for him," he told Saturday Night Football.

"He'll be delighted with the players. The first half wasn't great, but they got that decisive goal and really came out in the second half and took the game by the scruff of the neck. They scored three further goals and Wayne Rooney was outstanding all afternoon.

"The first half was a little bit of a mis-hit. The goal that was scored just before the end of the first half really changed things around, but in the second-half once they got the second goal, the players seemed to let that tension off them.

"They came out and expressed themselves a lot more. They seemed to get on the ball, people wanted the ball - and most importantly the end product was there as well.

"At Old Trafford it's been a very difficult time for them this year and the freedom, the enjoyment, the happiness on their face and the expressiveness of the football, was very evident in their performance."

Fellow Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp was impressed with how Giggs handled the media in his press conference on Friday - and said the performance on the pitch was just as confident.

And despite the bookmakers installing Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal as the favourite for the full-time job, he believes the supporters would prefer to see the Welshman handed the reins.

"The goal changed it and gave them a little bit of confidence and belief," Redknapp said.

"If it was an audition for Ryan Giggs it couldn't have gone any better, from yesterday in the press conference to today and the way the team played.

"They weren't at their best, but what Man United have always done throughout the years is still score goals when they're not at their best.

"He looks every inch a Man United manager to me. I'm not sure what the plans are, but if he carries on like that in the next three games there will be a clamour from those fans.

"They will want him, make no mistake about it."

No Deal Done For Louis van Gaal To Become Manager

Manchester United have told Sky Sports they have not signed a deal with Louis van Gaal, or anyone else, to become their new manager.

A newspaper report in Holland on Saturday morning said the Dutch national coach had agreed terms to take over at Old Trafford at the end of their World Cup campaign later this summer.

But a United spokesman said: "There is nothing to report.

"We have not signed a new manager. When we have something to report, we will announce it."

United great Ryan Giggs has taken charge of the team until the end of the season and legendary former boss Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly favours giving Giggs the job on a permanent basis.

Former Everton manager David Moyes took over last summer following Ferguson's retirement but was dismissed earlier in the week, having presided over a disappointing campaign.

And van Gaal has been heavily linked with the post since Moyes was fired on Tuesday with Sky Bet making him odds-on favourite for the United job.

The experienced 61-year-old has previously managed Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich, leading them all to League titles and winning the Champions League with Ajax in 1994-95.

Dutch paper De Telegraaf said on Saturday: "The national coach late last night reached a deal with the top British club.

"The man who's the absolute number one to replace axed coach David Moyes will immediately take up the job when the Dutch Eleven is knocked out of the World Cup in Brazil."

Van Gaal has previously expressed a desire to manage in the Premier League after the World Cup and has also been linked with Tottenham.

But the De Telegraaf report added: "Tottenham Hotspur saw earlier this week that there was little chance in the fight to sign up the Dutch coach."

Sir Alex Ferguson Gives Seal Of Approval To Interim Manchester United Boss Ryan Giggs

Sir Alex Ferguson has backed Ryan Giggs to take over as Manchester United manager after Giggs revealed he had already been in touch with his former boss.

The United legend held his first press conference on Friday, when he admitted he had already started to lean on Ferguson for advice.

Giggs said: "He was the first person I picked up the phone to. Why wouldn't I? He's been everything you can as a manager - a young manager, an experienced manager, a successful manager.

"He's given me advice and told me he's always at the end of the phone so that has given me a lot of comfort. It's good to know I can turn to the manager if I ever need him."

Ferguson feels Giggs has what it takes to succeed in the managerial ranks although he is not favourite to take over from Moyes on a permanent basis.

"I think that he [Giggs] is the one man they should go to really," Ferguson said at a charity dinner, according to the Daily Telegraph.

"He's got 20-odd years of experience at Manchester United. I signed him as a kid at 13 years of age. He's gone through the gamut of emotions at the club - he's experienced all the highs and lows.

"He knows exactly what's needed to be a Manchester United player and I was so pleased he brought Paul Scholes back in, and Nicky Butt of course - two great professionals.

"They understand the club, they are hard workers, they are straight as a die. So you have got the right combinations there, there's no doubt about that."

Giggs spoke with the media on Friday for the first time since he was appointed, and he said: "I'd just like to say how proud I am to be managing for the remaining four games the club I've supported all my life and been associated with for 26 years.

"I've got to say this is the proudest moment of my life. The club has been the biggest part of my life since I was 14.

"I'm proud, happy, a little bit nervous, but just like I am as a player, I can't wait for the game on Saturday.

"The players have looked really good in training this week, they are all excited as well. Everyone's looking sharp and I've just said to them 'enjoy yourself, give the fans something to smile about in these four games'.

"It's been a frustrating season and we want to end the season on a high. It was a shock to me on Tuesday when I spoke to Ed (Woodward) and he informed me David was leaving and then asked me to take over - it's been a whirlwind week for me.

"It's been different, it's been chaotic. I'm just getting a little taste, it's my fourth day in the job and you can never imagine what you have to do, what it entails becoming a United manager.

"I'd like to put on record my thanks to David for giving me my first chance in coaching. It's something I will always remember when he rang me in the summer and asked me to come on board."

Wayne And Juan Inspired By Ryan

Wayne Rooney says Manchester United’s players were inspired by interim boss Ryan Giggs and determined to emerge from a tough week at Old Trafford with a resounding 4-0 victory over Norwich.

Rooney bagged two goals either side of half-time before Juan Mata added two more to put gloss on a fine afternoon’s work for Giggs’ men.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game because Norwich are fighting for their survival,” said Rooney. “Going in one up at half-time was good for us. We knew we would have to score again and once we did we broke them down more easily. It was a comfortable win in the end.

“We’ve had a tough week. We understand there has been a lot of negativity towards us as a team. We were hurt by that and we want to put it right. We know we are better than we’ve shown [this season]. We showed that we are a good team and it’s important for us now to end the season well. That’s what we intend to do."

A club legend taking over as manager in United’s time of need instilled a feel-good factor around Old Trafford, although Rooney said it felt “a bit strange” playing for someone he has called a team-mate for the last decade. “I’ve played with him for the last ten years, but Giggsy has come in and we know he’s a really experienced player and he’s also been a part of the coaching staff for the last season.

“He’s built to be a manager. As a team we can see that. We can see that by the way he has handled himself since he has taken over. It’s fantastic to go out there and get the win for him. Giggsy has all the credentials to be the next boss but that decision is down to the board and down to Giggs.”

Mata, United’s other double goalscorer, was equally inspired by Giggs. “For me, it’s a pleasure to play under Giggs as manager,” he added on Sky Sports. “He’s a proper Manchester United boy. He was born here. For us, it’s a pleasure to be with him at the training ground and at every game. What we will do now is enjoy playing for him until the end of the season.”

Mata’s two close-range finishes added a sheen to the win over Norwich and it was his introduction from the bench that lifted United’s steady performance further still.

“In the first half it was a bit difficult and we played a bit too slow. In the second half I think we showed what Manchester United can do at home. We tried to score, we tried to be a powerful team and we played in the opposition half of the pitch. I think we did that really well.”

Giggs Impressed By Response

Ryan Giggs was delighted to oversee Manchester United's 4-0 victory over Norwich at Old Trafford on Saturday, his first as interim manager.

Goals from Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata handed United the win, although the Reds were frustrated for the majority of the first half. Giggs says he encouraged attacking football at the break, and was full of praise for the response shown in the second period.

“We looked like scoring goals and creating chances," he told Sky Sports. "In the first half, we were a little bit slow, so I just reminded the players that the tempo needed to be quicker and they reacted well to that.

“They’re all good players and all of us have let ourselves down this year. We haven’t played to the level that we’re capable of this season, but we did that today. I said yesterday that it can’t just be for one game, it has to be for longer than that. Every time you play for Manchester United you have to stay at that level, and they have to keep to these standards against Sunderland.

Asked about the task of choosing his side ahead of the game at Old Trafford, the Reds legend explained that he found the decision difficult: “I didn’t sleep last night. Leaving the likes of Juan Mata out of the starting 11 was a difficult decision, it was a position I’d never been in before. I’m interim manager, but I’m also one of their team mates, so leaving them out was tough.

"I told them all individually before the game, a few of them were upset and rightly so. But they didn’t sulk; you saw the response of Juan. That’s a true professional, to not moan and come on to produce a performance like that for half an hour.

“I said before the game that I could have played two teams, because the response of the players has been brilliant, I trust them all. It was really difficult to choose the team, but Rio [Ferdinand] and Nemanja [Vidic] have got that experience, as well as Patrice [Evra]. I wanted experience in the team, because I knew that it would be an emotionally-charged day and that we wouldn’t have it all our own way. Norwich are fighting for their lives, I know these players and they didn’t let me down.

The victory marked United's biggest home win of the season but Giggs is not getting carried away: “I’m just thinking about these three games. It has taken so much out of me this week that I haven’t really thought about the future. My job now is to get ready for Sunderland. They’ve just told me that I’ve got this job for four games. It’s one down, and three to go, and as far as I’m concerned that’s where my concentration is. I’ll do the job to the best of my ability and then afterwards we will have to see what happens."

As for his future as a player, Giggs suggested he will soon make a return to the pitch: “I haven’t had time to train this week, I haven’t had the energy. I’m going to start training on Monday, I knew that last week would be busy but I’ll be back on the pitch and I can’t wait."

The Match: Off To A Flyer

Read our detailed evaluation of United's 4-0 win over the Canaries...

The match: United were positive from the outset, but didn't quite play with the cutting edge that the fans wanted. Norwich’s intentions were clear – frustrate, soak it up and try to nick something if the moment came. Goals change games, as they say, and the penalty for United just before the break and the quick follow-up strike from Wayne Rooney early in the second period ensured mostly one-way traffic for the rest of the match. Once the deadlock was broken, the Reds played with confidence, and only a couple of spurned chances plus fine work from the rightly highly-rated John Ruddy kept it down to only 4-0.

The goals: Rooney’s penalty was emphatic – firmly struck to Ruddy’s left, with the Norwich stopper diving the other way. For his follow-up, Rooney was given the freedom of the slick Old Trafford pitch, the Norwich defence allowing him to run across the face of the box before curling the ball in off the post. The furious reaction of the Canaries’ keeper spoke volumes of the way his back four gave Rooney the opportunity, but it was still a lovely finish. For the third, Phil Jones’ low cross cut through the porous Norwich defence and allowed Juan Mata, on the pitch for only three minutes, to stab the ball home from close range. The fourth saw Patrice Evra’s cross to the far post cut back by Antonio Valencia, allowing Mata to stoop the deflected effort home for a rare headed goal.

Star man: Shinji Kagawa built on a good few recent outings with another influential display, helping turn the screw either side of half-time just when it could have become a frustrating first afternoon in charge for Giggs. The reception the Japanese playmaker received when substituted showed that he is becoming a key figure.

Sub plot: At the end of a week when the eyes of the footballing world had been fixed firmly on Old Trafford, many questions over the new set-up were sure to play themselves out. Would United play with a touch more swagger and verve? How would Ryan Giggs make the transition from player to manager? How would his first team selection set up? One question was answered immediately – Giggs was in a suit, rather than tracksuit and he looked the part as soon as he emerged from the tunnel at the start.

Opposition: Norwich played patiently, soaking up United’s pressure with two solid banks of four. Neil Adams’ side offered little in attack until United’s brace either side of half-time jolted them into action and reminded them that even a point would not move them above Aston Villa in their relegation battle. But the Reds proved too strong, and David De Gea only had a couple of saves of note to make.

Move of the match: United’s growing confidence was shown by a nice move late on when Valencia found Mata, whose lovely backheel to Hernandez did not bring the reward it deserved – but it all bodes well for the season ending well.

In the stands: It took just a few seconds before the “attack” chant went up from the Stretford End, perfectly in sync with the new manager’s stated intentions. It was quickly followed by a new one – “Ryan Giggs’ red and white army”, then an old favourite – “Giggs will tear you apart”. That continued throughout the second half.

Premier League: Man. United 4 Norwich City 0

Manchester United got Ryan Giggs’ tenure as interim manager off to the perfect start with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Norwich at Old Trafford.

A pair of Wayne Rooney goals, the first from the penalty spot, in the minutes immediately before and after half-time set the Reds on their way and another double, from substitute Juan Mata, ensured that the Giggs era began with the victory craved by a packed Old Trafford.

The new boss received a rapturous reception from the supporters more used to seeing him out on the pitch than in the dugout, but a determined Norwich side ensured that his side did not have it all their own way until Rooney broke the deadlock.

Danny Welbeck, partnering Rooney in a 4-4-2 formation, had United’s best chance when his powerful shot from a tight angle forced Canaries’ keeper John Ruddy into a vital save at his near post. But when Welbeck was dragged down in the area by Steven Whittaker, Rooney sent Ruddy the wrong way from 12 yards to open the floodgates.

Rooney doubled the lead just after half-time when he curled the ball in off Ruddy’s left-hand post from outside the area, having been allowed licence to cut across the Norwich defence from the left flank. Welbeck had forced Ruddy into action with a fierce volley and Nemanja Vidic had headed over when Mata put the game out of reach, converting Phil Jones’ cross with a snap-shot from close range.

United’s dominance was confirmed when Mata stooped to nod in a deflected Antonio Valencia effort from inside the six yard box, Rooney was not far from a hat-trick when he looped the ball onto the roof of the net and Javier Hernandez missed a great chance for 5-0 in the closing seconds.

Evra: Get Behind The Boss

Manchester United full-back Patrice Evra believes new interim manager Ryan Giggs is a perfect fit for the job and has urged his fellow players to support the 40-year-old in his new role.

The Frenchman believes the Reds must now look forward, starting with Saturday's clash against Norwich City. In an exclusive interview with MUTV, the long-serving defender was the first of the squad to react to a difficult week for the club.

"It’s really sad, but we have to move on," Evra told MUTV. "There’s a new manager in place - that’s Ryan Giggs – and we have to make sure we stick behind the coach. A lot of people are still calling him Ryan but he is the boss and we have to make sure we are right behind him and the club."

Evra was also keen to keen stress the experience that Giggs possesses should not be underestimated when it comes to inspiring players both young and old.

"Giggs is a natural," he enthused. "Players like him and Paul Scholes inspire the young players, and the senior players too. This is why they will fight to make sure that Ryan picks them for the team. As a person and a player, he instantly gets that respect which is why it wasn’t weird to see Ryan Giggs as manager."

What Is The Manchester United Way? An Explanation.

It is one of the major reasons why David Moyes is said to have lost his job and Ryan Giggs says he wants to bring it back over the remaining four games of the season.

"It is my philosophy and it is Manchester United's philosophy," said the Welshman when he spoke to the media on Friday.

But what is this mystical "Manchester United Way", which has the power to make or break managers?

Speaking to Bobby Charlton upon the player's arrival at Old Trafford as a raw 15-year-old, United manager Sir Matt Busby encapsulated the essence of an attitude that pervades around Old Trafford to this day.

"All those lads you see going to the factory in Trafford Park, they come to watch you on Saturday," Busby told Charlton. "They have boring jobs, so you have to give them something they will enjoy."

It cannot always be that way, of course.

For the 6-2 win against Arsenal that United achieved on 9 February 1957, there was also a goalless draw against Tottenham a few weeks later.

For the 5-4 thriller at Highbury in the last domestic match before the Munich air tragedy in 1958, there was a 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea in the December of that same season.

There have been long periods of ups and downs, and smaller rises and falls, since Busby uttered his words, but the general point remains.

"We attack," says Sean Bones, vice-chairman of the Manchester United Supporters Trust. "We try to win games with style and flair.

"If you want to pigeon-hole it, it is two wingers, overlapping full-backs and attacking midfielders - but, really, there is far more to it than that. It is almost a state of mind.

"We don't 'aspire' to be like anyone, as Moyes said of Manchester City. We should be setting the example for everyone else in terms of how football should be played."

Going back through the generations, the commitment to wing play can easily be identified.

Pre-Munich, it was David Pegg and Albert Scanlon. Then, in the rebuilt team that went on to win the European Cup in 1968, it was George Best and John Aston.

The tradition continued even in the fallow years of the 1970s, when Steve Coppell, Gordon Hill and Gerry Daly were all revered; just as Gordon Strachan and Jesper Olsen were in the early 1980s.

As Moyes tries to come to terms with the manner of his dismissal, he might reflect on the treatment of Dave Sexton, sacked as United boss in April 1981, despite ending the season with seven successive victories.

That decision was based on the "dull" football his side played, said one sage at the time.

With the addition of powerful, thrusting midfield players, in the mould of Charlton, Duncan Edwards and Bryan Robson, plus the added threat from full-backs such as Roger Byrne, who used to attack in an era where defenders were supposed to defend; and Arthur Albiston, who amassed 485 appearances as an overlapping left-back, the culture became embedded in the club.

"The 'United Way' is something fans have got used to," said former United skipper Robson. "It is really attacking, good to watch.

"For the fans, that is the way the club has to play. I would argue United have those players now: Shinji Kagawa, Antonio Valencia, Ashley Young, Nani and Adnan Januzaj are all really good players. The key is getting the best out of them."

Patently, Moyes did not manage it.

What made the situation worse was that he followed a manager who ensured United produced some of the most exciting football the club's fans have ever seen.

Ferguson could call on Lee Sharpe, Andrei Kanchelskis, David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo to taunt opponents from the wings.

In midfield, Roy Keane, Paul Ince and Paul Scholes provided the menace, while Denis Irwin, Gary Neville and Patrice Evra did so from deep.

It would be wrong to say Moyes did not try to attack, or that Ferguson was so wedded to the principle of wide men he refused to try anything else.

But when asked to conjure up an immediate image of a Ferguson team, it is of players on the front foot, pinning their opponents back, battering them into submission.

Under Moyes, United were the very inverse of what their fans demanded.

He is taking tentative steps in management but Giggs has already taken a big one - by telling supporters he will give them what they want.

"We have the players to do it, we have players in that dressing room who are winners, used to winning and have a winning mentality. They will show it on Saturday," Giggs said.

"I trust the players, I know what they are capable of and I want them to go out and show it against Norwich."

This from the man who more than anyone epitomises what United have become.

The man who, at Villa Park in 1999, weaved his way through a succession of despairing Arsenal challenges to score the goal voted the best in the history of the FA Cup.

Giggs: We Will Go Back To Playing The United Way

If Manchester United are a club in crisis, no one told Ryan Giggs.

Taking his first news conference since becoming interim manager he looked relaxed and assured, even managing to see the funny side when the club's press officer mistakenly introduced him as David.

He also joked that one of his first decisions was to hand himself a new five-year playing contract. At the age of 40 even that might be beyond the Welsh winger's powers.

The decision to place him in temporary charge has definitely given the club a lift. Experienced United watchers tell me it was easy to detect a lighter mood around the club's Carrington training ground this morning.

But while the gloom of the David Moyes era might have been blown away by this temporary fix, there's no escaping the grim week United have had since his sacking. Nor the difficult position they now find themselves in as they start the search for a new permanent manager in time for the crucial summer transfer window.

With the club anxious to look ahead they tried to ban the media from asking questions about Moyes's departure.

Football clubs really do themselves no credit with this type of behaviour. Giggs is an experienced operator with the media and could have comfortably fended off any difficult inquiries.

Still, this closed culture is not exclusive to United.

In the end Giggs did thank Moyes for giving him his break in coaching, admitted it had been a chaotic few days and, in a remark which might be perceived as a slight dig at Moyes's playing style, vowed the team would go back to the United way.

That will be a relief to the club's fans who must be struggling to take in just how much has changed in the space of 12 months.

For now the kids from the class of '92 are in charge - Giggs has been joined by Paul Scholes, Phil Neville and Nicky Butt to help him through the last four games of the season, starting with Saturday's home match against Norwich.

But the club know they need a manager with a proven track record at the very highest level not only to rebuild the squad but to restore United's battered reputation.

United Let-downs

In light of this week's dramatic events at Old Trafford, Whoscored.com's Martin Laurence takes a statistical look at which Manchester United players let their standards slip most under David Moyes

This week the assumption that David Moyes would be given time to prove his worth at United, no matter how bad the results, was trampled. After an 11th Premier League defeat of the season, and second of the campaign to his former employers Everton, the board decided enough was enough.

While there are plenty that still feel the Scot should have been afforded more time, or at least the transfer window to start to build his own squad having inherited an ageing one - in defence in particular - it's hard to defend the rapid downfall in performance levels.

In turn, a certain amount of the blame must fall at the feet of some of the players. To hit the ground running a manager always needs his best players on song and too many that impressed last season have failed to do so this time around. In turn we highlight those that have perhaps let Moyes down the most with regards to their performances this season, looking at the players with the most significant drop in WhoScored.com's ratings.

Firstly, it's worth pointing out that of the 20 United players to have made more than 10 appearances this season and last (including marquee signings Mata and Fellaini) five saw their ratings increase under Moyes. The most significant, in descending order, were Phil Jones (6.79 to 7.27), Chris Smalling (6.83 to 7.11), Wayne Rooney (7.25 to 7.57), Danny Welbeck (6.69 to 6.83) and Michael Carrick (7.04 to 7.06).

There's an interesting theme in the fact that all five are English, perhaps calling into question Moyes' ability to motivate some of the foreign players at the club. While it is true that he managed plenty of players from overseas whilst at Everton, the core of his squads were British. It could be argued that the homegrown players at United may perhaps have appreciated the job he had done at Everton more and therefore needed less convincing of his pedigree.

That is for another time, though. Here are the worst offenders for letting their standards slip from last season, with varying validity of excuses.

6. Rafael - Drop of 0.29 (from 7.32 to 7.03)

Last season was the Brazilian's best in a United shirt. He had previously shown glimpses of the swashbuckling full-back he was predicted to become but also moments of real naivety. During Ferguson's final countdown the 23-year old started to shown signs of adding the consistency a top class defender needs to his game, but there's been a regression to the Rafael of old under Moyes.

While he's continued to offer an attacking outlet, the right-back has been more wasteful in possession, with his pass accuracy dropping from 84.5% to 78.8%. From a defensive standpoint he's also been less impressive, with his average tackles and interceptions down from 3.1 and 2 to 2.3 and 1.8 per game respectively. With no goals and only 1 assist, it's been forgettable season for Rafael.

Ryan Giggs - Drop of 0.32 (from 6.72 to 6.40)

It's interesting that of the 20 United players to have made more than 10 league appearances this season their new caretaker manager is the lowest rated according to WhoScored.com. It's true that Giggs has had very little playing time to find his rhythm but he has made the same proportion of his appearances as a substitute this season as he did last (54.5%) so his impact has certainly diminished, quite understandably, with age.

The Welshman looks likely to fail to score in the Premier League for the first time since it's inception, and he's also failed to register an assist in 11 appearances. His averages for shots (0.3), key passes (0.7) and dribbles (0.4) have all dropped from last season, and having adopted a somewhat dogged midfield role at times in his latter years under Ferguson his tackles per game figure has dropped substantially from 2 to 0.5.

Javier Hernandez - Drop of 0.35 (from 6.80 to 6.45)

The player that can no doubt be forgiven the most for his drop in performances this season, Hernandez started just 5 of his 21 league appearances under Moyes, with the Scot clearly not convinced by the Mexican. Having registered double figures in each of his three league seasons at the club previous, the forward has netted just 4 this time around and failed to have the same impact from the bench that he did under Ferguson.

Likely to have been a little disillusioned with life in Manchester, the 25-year old has been making progressively fewer appearances in the last two years or so and his United career hasn't flourished as he'd have hoped. With just 18 shots all season, he's not been cropping up in the right places as often, despite a lack of minutes.

Marouane Fellaini - Drop of 0.43 (from 7.57 to 7.14)

This is arguably a case of Moyes falling on his own sword, with many questioning how Marouane Fellaini would adapt to a side like United despite a fantastic season in 2012/13. The Belgian has been the poster boy of Moyes' failings at times, and perhaps a little undeservingly so. After all, United weren't exactly flying in his lengthy absence through injury.

Nevertheless, Fellaini has struggled to find his identity at Old Trafford, which is strange to say of a player of his appearance and stature. The midfielder has been deployed deeper, as he was early on in his Everton career, and looked more than a little leggy at times. Having proven such a threat in the attacking third last season, Fellaini is yet to register a league goal or assist for United, creating just 3 chances over his 15 appearances to date compared to 40 last time around.

Ashley Young - Drop of 0.44 (from 6.97 to 6.55)

This is arguably a case of Moyes falling on his own sword, with many questioning how Marouane Fellaini would adapt to a side like United despite a fantastic season in 2012/13. The Belgian has been the poster boy of Moyes' failings at times, and perhaps a little undeservingly so. After all, United weren't exactly flying in his lengthy absence through injury.

Nevertheless, Fellaini has struggled to find his identity at Old Trafford, which is strange to say of a player of his appearance and stature. The midfielder has been deployed deeper, as he was early on in his Everton career, and looked more than a little leggy at times. Having proven such a threat in the attacking third last season, Fellaini is yet to register a league goal or assist for United, creating just 3 chances over his 15 appearances to date compared to 40 last time around.

While injuries may have stunted the progress and indeed promise of Ashley Young, he's still faced his fair share of criticism from United fans in recent seasons, falling under the 'not good enough for the club' category. The England international has done little to dispute such claims in the current campaign, with his performances a far cry from those that saw him earn an international call and interest from United whilst at Aston Villa.

Here is a winger that, in his final season in the Midlands, averaged 2.4 shots and 2.3 key passes per game. Fast forward three years and those figures are down at 0.7 and 0.8 respectively. With United thought to be planning a clear out in the summer, the 28-year old's position will certainly come under threat given his waning form since arriving at Old Trafford.

Robin van Persie - Drop 0.53 (from 7.68 to 7.15)

The most significant decrease of all, in more ways than one, has been that of Robin van Persie, who lavished Sir Alex Ferguson with praise during their short working relationship. The Dutchman may have been more disappointed than most then when the legendary boss announced his decision to step down and his fondness of the replacement manager and the club as a whole has been questioned all year.

Much of United's success last season was credited to the exploits of the eventual top scorer in the league (26 goals) but his form has fallen way short this season. While a tally of 11 league goals from 18 appearances is still impressive, he's been guilty of missing the sort of chances that one would deem ideal for a player of his calibre. Perhaps the most damning indication of his plight this season has seen Van Persie awarded just one WhoScored.com man of the match rating in the league compared to a massive 10 last time around.

Credit: Skysports.com

Bruce Wishes former Team-mate Ryan Giggs Luck In Manager's Role

Hull boss Steve Bruce says Ryan Giggs is unlikely to be daunted at the prospect of leading Manchester United for the remainder of the season.

The 40-year-old will be in charge of team affairs for Saturday's game against Norwich following the sacking of David Moyes earlier this week.

The last five years of Bruce's Old Trafford career coincided with the start of Giggs first-team life at United.

Bruce says becoming a manager is no easy gig but believes his former team-mate will take it all in his stride.

He told Sky Sports News: "I wish him the best of luck. He's the most decorated player in the English game, and I doubt there will be anyone else who will win the number of medals he's got, but now he's in the hot seat, so good luck to him.

"Whether he enjoys it or not, that's the big thing. Make no mistake, when you pick your first team and do your first team talk, it's difficult and then you'll understand how difficult the job is.

"You then have to concentrate on the game and make changes. But the one thing that will never daunt him is the Man U thing - it's been there all his life.

"He's got round him people who understand the United way. And if he wins the next three or four games 4-0, there will be a clamour to give him the job full-time."

And another former United team-mate of Giggs, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, believes he has what it takes to shine in the role.

The Cardiff boss said: "He is not one of those who always speaks every single day but when he speaks you listen. It has always been that way. He commands respect.

"He has all the attributes to become a top, top manager and, as a boy from Cardiff, he should do us favours now. The next two United games are important for us too (Norwich and Sunderland)."

Stoke manager Mark Hughes, another former United striker, expressed disquiet over the circumstances of Moyes' departure but went on to praise the appointment of Giggs.

He said: "It's probably the right appointment, the only appointment given the week that Manchester United have had.

"It makes total sense. The knowledge and understanding of the place that he has is invaluable for them at this moment in time."

Manchester United And David Moyes Agree Exit Terms

Manchester United and David Moyes have agreed settlement terms following the manager's sacking this week.

The Scot, who only signed a six-year contract last summer, was axed from his post at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

A statement from the League Managers Association (LMA), the body that looks after the interests of managers, read: "The League Managers Association and Manchester United are pleased to confirm that terms of settlement have been agreed between the club and David Moyes in respect of the termination of his employment.

"A settlement agreement is in the process of being finalised. No further comment will be made in relation to this issue."

There was no indication how much money Moyes had received as part of the severance deal.