Harry: Giggs Wanted Rio

Harry Redknapp has claimed that Queens Park Rangers new boy Rio Ferdinand would still be a Manchester United player, if Ryan Giggs was in charge at Old Trafford.

Ferdinand signed a one-year deal with QPR on Thursday after the 35-year-old was allowed to leave United at the end of last season.

Giggs had been in interim charge for the final four games of last term before being named as No.2 to Louis van Gaal following the Dutchman’s appointment as David Moyes’ successor.

Redknapp discussed his move for Ferdinand with Giggs and has revealed that the former England captain could have been considered for a key role with United in the coming season.

“Rio is a top-class guy – anyone who has watched the TV over the World Cup would see what a world-class act he is, on and off the field,” said Redknapp.

"He’s a great role model. I signed him as 14-year-old, so I know him as well as anyone and I’m just so pleased to have him at the club.
“I spoke to Ryan Giggs to ask how much training he was doing and how fit he was and Ryan told me that, if he’d been manager at Old Trafford this season, he would’ve still been his No.1 centre-half.

“Rio was fit all last season, David Moyes changed the team around and didn’t pick him.”