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Man Utd under Giggs: How Wales boss would ditch Sanchez, free Pogba and unleash Rashford
MANCHESTER UNITED should appoint Ryan Giggs as Jose Mourinho’s successor, according to Graeme Souness. Express Sport looks at how the Old Trafford hero would treat heavyweights such as Alexis Sanchez, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford should he make a sensational return.
Manchester United are stuck in a rut. Goals, wins and optimism are all hard to come by at present with their season already resembling a mess.
Gone are Sir Alex Ferguson’s days but Sky Sports pundit Souness thinks Giggs would be an ideal replacement.
Fans, no doubt, would welcome the appointment. Giggs is a Manchester United legend and, when he succeeded David Moyes as manager briefly in 2014, there were glimpses of the swashbuckling outfit Ferguson had left behind less than a year previously.
So Express Sport takes a look at how United could take shape should their former wing wizard return.
Ditch Sanchez
If any one player can symbolise Manchester United’s current plight, you need look no further than Alexis Sanchez.
Back in January, the Red Devils thought they were signing the man to take them back to the summit of English football.
It has been a disaster, though. Sanchez has scored just three times - the last coming back in May. Against Valencia last night, he angered fans by taking ages to walk from the field.
What Giggs would do: Giggs was part of a United side who boasted some of the best wingers around, himself included.
And given how dire Sanchez looks, it would be hard to see him getting the nod over fresher legs such as Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.
Free Pogba
Paul Pogba’s passing, creative nous and sheer ability means comparisons with Paul Scholes are inevitable.
Unfortunately, however, the France international has gone nothing to justify comparisons with the Old Trafford legend.
There is no denying, though, the sheer quality he possesses. And Giggs would likely do his utmost to coax the best from the World Cup winner.
What Giggs would do: Giggs would most likely deploy Nemanja Matic alongside Pogba but give the France international the freedom he craves along the way.
A three-man midfield would unlikely be deployed but Pogba, having moving targets ahead of him rather than stationary, would be given a new lease of life. Permission to play the ball forward, at least.
Manchester United: Fan demands Ryan Giggs replaces Mourinho
Unleash Rashford
Just two years ago, Marcus Rashford was the creme de la creme of English talent.
Giggs was part of the Manchester United set-up when he made his debut in 2016 and, along with Louis van Gaal, helped the 20-year-old establish himself as one of the best young players in the country.
Rashford has stagnated under Mourinho. But wouldn’t under his old icon…
What Giggs would do: Rashford would start week in, week out. And, most likely, as a striker.
His best form of his career came in the No 9 role and, while Romelu Lukaku is a dead-cert to start most weeks, he wouldn't be under Giggs. Lukaku is many things but, if you look at United’s history, not a traditional Red Devils talisman. That mantle, as a result, could move on.