RYAN GIGGS has revealed the shocking impact a “mad” Manchester United boss made on him at their first meeting.
The iconic winger was player-coach and then interim manager when he hung up his boots in 2014 after 24 years on the Old Trafford pitch.
PA:Press AssociationRyan Giggs has detailed his surprising introduction to a new manager[/caption]
In that time, the Welshman dealt with legendary chief Alex Ferguson‘s famous hairdryer.
But Giggs then encountered something far stranger – and more physical – with one of the Scot’s successors.
Fergie’s retirement in 2013 was followed by David Moyes‘ mediocre nine months in charge.
United have had nine other bosses since, if you include the temporary stints of Giggs, Michael Carrick, Ralf Rangnick and Ruud van Nistelrooy.
But when Louis van Gaal arrived 11 years ago, he looked a safe bet to at least steady the ship.
The Dutchman had bossed both Barcelona and the Netherlands twice, also taking the reins at Ajax and Bayern Munich.
But Giggs told of his extraordinary introduction to LVG when he flew to Holland to see the new Old Trafford chief.
The former Wales boss told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast: “We met him in a hotel room. Louis was mad. He was mad.
Getty Images – GettyEx-Barca chief Van Gaal chose Giggs as his Old Trafford No 2[/caption]
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“So… he’s opened the door, I’m with Ed Woodward [then United executive vice-chairman), and Louis looked at me and punched me right in the stomach.”
“He’s gone, ‘You are in good shape.’ and just punching—a little dig. I’m thinking, ‘What is he doing?’”
Van Gaal then immediately took the wind out of Giggs again – by putting him on the spot over United’s squad.
The two-time Champions League winner said LVG told him: “I have a list of names. I want you to tell me who stays and who goes.”
Giggs explained he went through the squad and added: “I’ve just gone tick, tick… I think we were one out.
“So instantly, he was like, ‘Yeah, I agree with that. Same thinking, same thinking’.”
That shared verdict led to Giggs being offered and accepting the assistant manager’s role at Old Trafford which, like LVG’s reign, lasted until 2016
The ex-Dragons hero says Van Gaal was “really good with me” – so Giggs “learned a lot”.
But although that education made him feel “ready” for the top job, Jose Mourinho beat him to the position when LVG was sacked.
However, no-one has close to living up to Fergie 27-year legacy during which Giggs and Co won the Premier League 13 times.
Van Gaal was in charge of Man Utd from 2014-2016Mark Robinson – The Sun
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