Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is set to ‘target’ one player in his first role in football since he left the Wales national team as manager, according to reports.
Ryan Giggs entered the world of coaching towards the tail end of his Manchester United career after he became a player-coach under manager David Moyes.
The United legend temporarily took charge of the Red Devils after David Moyes was axed from Old Trafford before he became assistant manager to Louis van Gaal.
Giggs left his role as assistant manager at United after Louis van Gaal was sacked in 2016 and replaced by Jose Mourinho at the Premier League club.
The 50-year-old Welshman took his first steps into management when he was appointed the Wales manager in 2018.
Giggs saw success as Wales head coach and secured his country’s qualification to Euro 2020, but the United legend would not take charge at the tournament.
The former United star took a step back from his duties at Wales in 2020 after he was arrested on allegations of assault, which Giggs staunchly denied.
Giggs resigned from his post as Wales manager in 2022 ahead of the trial over the allegations against him, with the United legend clearing his name in 2023.
Giggs to target player for Salford City
Ryan Giggs has been out of management since leaving his post at Wales in 2022, but the Manchester United legend made his return to football in 2024.
The former Wales boss took up the post of director of football at League Two side Salford City, a club he co-owns with fellow members of the ‘Class of ’92.’
Salford City did not formally announce Giggs’ appointment as director of football, but the club did mention his title by name in a press release in February.
According to the Irish Mirror, Salford City director of football Giggs is believed to be ‘targeting’ a move for Oxford United defender Stephan Negru.
Oxford United are ready to send Stephan Negru, who is only 21 years old, out on loan next season in a bid to secure regular first-team experience.
And it is believed that Salford City are ‘leading the way in the race’ to sign Negru, with Giggs playing a ‘key role in identifying new signings’ for the club.
The newspaper added that Salford City have ‘already spoken’ with the Irish defender about moving to the club for a season-long loan.
Giggs and Class of ’92 shake up Salford City
Giggs previously admitted that the Class of ’92 experienced a culture shock when they completed their takeover of Salford City in 2014.
United legends Nicky Butt, Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Paul Scholes and Giggs acquired a 10 per cent stake in the club at the time.
David Beckham would capture a 10 per cent stake in 2019 from Singaporean businessman Peter Lim, who had been part of the 2014 takeover of the club.
“It’s different, especially when you have been in football at the top level,” Giggs said in April.
“When we first took over, the manager had booked a two-week holiday in pre-season. ‘I book my family holiday at the same time every year.’
“But it’s your job, isn’t it? ‘I’m not changing it.’ So yeah, we had a few things we had to get our heads around.”