Manchester United v Norwich: Ryan Giggs admits he thought he would never get the chance to manage United

Giggs has said that he is 'extremely proud' to take charge of his first game after temporarily replacing David Moyes

Ryan Giggs has admitted that he never thought he would be Manchester United manager even though he has been earmarked for years as the man to one day lead the club.

Having taken over on an interim basis after David Moyes was sacked last Tuesday, Giggs was taking charge of his first match as United welcomed Norwich to Old Trafford. Writing in his programme notes, the 40-year-old admitted that he was “extremely proud” to have the chance to manage the club he has played for since he was a teenager.

“I've supported United all my life and I've been connected with the club since I was at school,” wrote Giggs.

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“It's the rock which my life has been built upon and I can promise you that I will give this job the best I can in the last four games of the season.

“This column is not something that I was expecting to have to write but I am extremely proud of being asked to step in as manager of Manchester United.”

His words come on a day when the club have denied that a deal is already in place for Netherlands manager Louis van Gaal to take over on a three-year deal in July, while Sir Alex Ferguson – who will have a say in appointing the new manager – has pointed out that the club should look no further than Giggs.