Adnan Januzaj 'Encouraged' to Take Ryan Giggs' No. 11 Shirt at Manchester United

Ryan Giggs' retirement from Manchester United duty means that his No. 11 shirt is finally available again at Old Trafford—and rising star Adnan Januzaj has taken it.

The decision, apparently, comes after Giggs' own encouragement.

According to Jamie Jackson of The Guardian:

"

Giggs has taken a particular interest in the Belgian’s development and as the No.2 to the manager, Louis van Gaal, believed Januzaj should not hesitate in accepting the jersey number he wore for the majority of his glittering United career.

"

Backed or not, that's no small shirt to fill, as Giggs wore it throughout the Premier League era.

Another former Old Trafford regular, Phil Neville, also lent his support to the decision:

"

Januzai given the number 11 shirt -massive act to follow but one I'm convinced he can handle he is going to be a great player!

— Philip Neville (@fizzer18) August 13, 2014"

United's new season gets underway at the weekend with a Premier League clash against Swansea.

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