Robson: Van Gaal Needs Giggs

Bryan Robson insists Manchester United must force Louis van Gaal to retain the services of Ryan Giggs if he becomes the new manager.

Giggs has taken temporary charge of the first team following last month's departure of David Moyes, who was sacked just 10 months into his six-year contract.

His presence in the dugout has lifted morale at United and there have been calls for the fans' favourite to take the job full time, despite Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland.

But United are likely to opt for an experienced candidate, with Van Gaal reportedly set to be confirmed as the next boss this week.

Moyes was criticised for replacing much of Sir Alex Ferguson's coaching staff when he arrived and Robson believes United must take action to prevent Van Gaal from offloading Giggs and coaches Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt.

"I think it would be very disappointing for those lads not to be kept on, in whatever role, as they are part of Manchester United," the former club captain told MUTV.

"The fans would be very disappointed if they don't have a future in the club.

"I have read that Van Gaal wants to bring in a goalkeeper coach, a fitness coach, and (Patrick) Kluivert as his assistant.

"If you are talking about bringing all these people in you have to make sure that you are making the right decision and you are not allowing them too much rope.

"It is up to the board to step in and say 'you can have leeway with this, but there are definitely restrictions on this part of the club'.

"That has to come from the club rather than the new coach. Sometimes I think when you go into a new club, why not give the staff a chance?"