Manchester United Reportedly to Assure Ryan Giggs over Louis van Gaal Plan

Manchester United are reportedly prepared to give Ryan Giggs a "cast-iron guarantee" he will succeed Louis van Gaal as manager, as the Old Trafford giants prepare to extend the Dutchman's stay at the club.

Simon Mullock and Graham Thomas of the Mirror said United are keen to stop Giggs moving to Swansea City as the Welsh club look to make a new managerial appointment, and he will inform the club legend he will definitely be the next Red Devils coach. 

Mullock and Thomas reported United are "likely" to offer LvG a contract extension until the summer of 2018, despite the team's criticised style of play this season. United have kept their Premier League title ambitions alive, but Van Gaal has come under increasing pressure due to a lack of entertainment and goals.

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United's stylistic issues have now connected with results, and the team have no victories in their last five games in all competitions, according to WhoScored.com.

This has facilitated the club's elimination from the Champions League, and an embarrassing defeat away to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday. 

Van Gaal is said to be ready to shelve his retirement to remain at Old Trafford, and sources say, per Mullock and Thomas: "Louis was delighted to read the reports that United recognise the work he is doing and want him to stay on beyond his current contract. His plan has always been to retire in 2017, but there is no question that he will sign an extension if United make him an offer.”

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There is a danger Giggs' reputation will become tainted if he continues to sit next to Van Gaal in the dugout, as United move away from their traditional principles on the pitch.

Gary Neville is an obvious candidate as an alternative to Giggs if the current administration dramatically fails, but he proclaimed he has no intention of succeeding Van Gaal, speaking to journalist Guillem Balague (h/t Patrick Surlis of Sky Sports):

"No, I don't see myself managing Manchester United at all. I know what I want to do in my life, and that's not something that's in my mind."

Former Welsh international and team-mate of Giggs, John Hartson, said he believes the United assistant manager should take the leap to Swansea, telling BBC Radio 5 Live he thinks he would be an "excellent appointment" for the Swans:

"

The only question for me is whether or not he would choose to leave Manchester United when he's tipped to be their next manager.

[Louis] van Gaal has said himself: 'I'm only doing three years, then Ryan Giggs will step in.’

I think a lot of people would like to see Ryan manage a Premier League club. Swansea are a great fit.

"

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Giggs will need assurances he will be United's next manager if he is to remain at Old Trafford, but it is questionable whether he will have the acumen needed if the club quickly falter under Van Gaal. 

Pep Guardiola learned his trade behind the scenes at Barcelona, taking the route from player to coach.

United, however, are still in full-blown transition, 18 months after Van Gaal took charge, and the club may need an experienced coach to assume control if LvG doesn't stabilise results. 

Champions League qualification will once again be the aim for the managerial team at Carrington, but if supporters do not see a distinct change in playing style in the coming months, both Van Gaal and Giggs will be held accountable.