Ryan Giggs Reportedly Targeted for Wigan Manager's Role After Gary Caldwell Exit

Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs is reportedly being targeted by Wigan Athletic to take up the vacant managerial role at the DW Stadium following Tuesday's dismissal of former Latics boss Gary Caldwell. 

According to ESPN FC's Peter O'Rourke, Giggs, 42, is "in the frame" for the Wigan job having recently been passed over to succeed Francesco Guidolin at Swansea City in favour of Bob Bradley.

Wigan are currently second from bottom in the Championship—on 11 points after 14 games of the 2016-17 season—so were Giggs to be hired, his first target would be to guide the north-west outfit to safety.

Giggs is still searching for his first full-time managerial job and O'Rourke suggested the Wigan position may appeal to him as it would mean staying in the north-west.

The Welshman left United upon the arrival of Jose Mourinho in the summer after almost 30 years at the club.

Date	Home/Away	Result
April 26, 2014	H	4-0 win vs. Norwich
May 3, 2014	H	1-0 loss vs. Sunderland
May 6, 2014	H	3-1 win vs. Hull City
May 11, 2014	A	1-1 draw vs. Southampton

He had acted as assistant manager to both David Moyes and Louis van Gaal, and served as interim manager for four matches in 2014 following the sacking of the Scotsman.

Per ITV News, United had hoped to persuade Giggs to stay on in a different role under Mourinho, but the Old Trafford club said in a statement that he was leaving "to pursue his desire to be a manager."

In a recent column for the Telegraph, Giggs revealed he has "had a number of offers from abroad, the Championship and Premier League, one of those being Swansea City."

Having missed out on the Swansea job, the Wigan role could be ideal for Giggs to start his managerial career.

It is less high profile than if he were to take a role in the Premier League, but at a club with a history of top-flight status.

The end-game for Giggs is likely to take the top job full-time at Old Trafford, and guiding Wigan to safety would be a fine first step on the road back to United.