Ryan Giggs claims he had no hesitation in accepting the offer to replace David Moyes as Manchester United manager until the end of the season, calling it the proudest moment of his life.
Moyes lost his job on Tuesday and Giggs, the club's most decorated player, was asked to step in by the club's chief executive, Ed Woodward.
The 40-year-old is still to retire as a player but will assume managerial responsibilities against Norwich tomorrow.
And, when asked by MUTV if he had considered turning down the offer, he said: “When Ed asked me to look after the team for the remaining four games, I had no hesitation in saying yes.
“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.
“I can’t wait for 5.30 tomorrow when we walk out at Old Trafford. I know the place will be rocking. I’ve told the players ‘I trust you and I know what you’re capable of. Go out there and show it’.”
Moyes left United seventh in the Barclays Premier League, some 23 points behind leaders Liverpool. Moyes was dogged by rumours — always denied by the Scot — that he did not have a good relationship with his players.
Giggs took time to thank his manager at the start of his press conference. “I’d like to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching,” said Giggs, who was appointed first-team coach when Moyes arrived.
“It was something I’ll always remember when he rang me in the summer and asked me to come on board. “Obviously I was still playing but he’s given me my first opportunity of a coaching role.”
But despite Giggs’ warm words about Moyes, there was a feeling around Carrington this morning that everyone at the club was keen to move on and forget the 10 torturous months under the former Everton boss.
United were flat, unimaginative and slow in Moyes’ final game in charge — a 2-0 loss at Goodison Park. Giggs, the club’s most decorated player, wants to bring a bit of flair back to Old Trafford.
“It’s been a frustrating season for everyone,” said 40-year-old, who has won 13 Premier League titles with the club.
“We win together and lose together and in these remaining four games, I want to bring the positivity back.
“We have three home games at Old Trafford, where the home form hasn’t been great, and I want to see goals, tackles, players taking players on and getting the crowd up.
“I want the passion that should come with being a Manchester United player.”
