Saturday 2 July 2016 16:16, UK
Ryan Giggs has the mental toughness to be a great manager, according to his former Manchester United and Wales team-mate Clayton Blackmore.
Giggs confirmed on Saturday that he was ending a 29-year stay at Old Trafford as one of the club's greatest ever players and coaches, moving aside as new manager Jose Mourinho brings in his own backroom staff.
Blackmore, who watched Giggs rise through the youth ranks and played with him until 1994, believes he was not entirely happy working as Louis van Gaal's assistant last season and should have been given the chance to manage United long ago.
"Last year he wasn't happy with a lot of things, with the way the team were playing, and don't think he had much of a say in it, with Van Gaal," Blackmore said.
"You could see his body language on the touchline and I think Jose will be thinking 'I don't want him if he's not happy'. It might be the time for him to move on.
"I think the club should have given him a shot at it, probably before David Moyes (took over in 2013). People might have asked if he is old or experienced enough.
"Well Pep Guardiola was 37 when he took over at Barcelona, having never managed a team before. You've got to jump in sometimes and give them a chance."
Giggs said on Saturday that "the time feels right and although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be".
And Blackmore said: "I think Giggs has got the mental toughness. He's had a shot already and did quite well. You'd think wingers aren't tough but his dad was a rugby league player. I think he'll make a great manager.
"I'm sure some players will be upset to see him go because he was the link between Louis van Gaal and the team. Van Gaal was trying to run the team and make players play the way he wanted them to.
"But you've got to let players do their own thing and play the moment. Ryan was one of the best at that."
