Ryan Giggs could be in the frame for the Manchester United job if he guides Wales to a successful European Championships next summer, says ex-United striker Mark Hughes.
Giggs, who is the most decorated player in the history of Man United, has guided his country to the Euros in his first role as a first-team boss.
With pressure already mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford following a poor start to the season, Hughes - who played with Giggs at United and has managed a host of Premier League clubs - says the current Wales manager may well have his eyes set further ahead on the United hotseat.
'I think Ryan is in a good place in his management career,' Hughes said, as reported by BBC Sport.
'He is on an upward trend. He is probably more likely to get an opportunity at Manchester United than he was when [Louis] Van Gaal left. Maybe they felt his management CV wasn't strong enough at that point, but if he goes to the European Championship and does well, then there's no reason why he won't be in the frame.
'He was a fantastic player throughout his career and he's had good opportunities to learn the game on the other side of the fence. Obviously he was mentored by Sir Alex [Ferguson] for many years and in later years he was able to work alongside him.
'He then worked very closely with Van Gaal for a couple of years, which I felt was a good decision by him and the club.
'I thought that was with a view to him taking over the role when Van Gaal left. It wasn't to be, they made the decision to go for a bigger name in terms of management - [Jose] Mourinho.
'I think that was pushed maybe a little bit because of the appointment at Manchester City of Guardiola. Maybe they felt they needed like for like, which probably affected Ryan's chances.'
Hughes' comments come as Ed Woodward is reportedly prepared to put sentiment aside to sack the Norwegian, a fan-favourite owing to his heroics as a player under Sir Alex Ferguson, if results do not improve.
When David Moyes was sacked in April 2014, Giggs enjoyed a brief stint as player-manager at Old Trafford at the end of the 2013-14 season.
Giggs then retired that summer and was Louis van Gaal's assistant during his tenure at Old Trafford from 2014-2016.
Despite his close links to United, Giggs' immediate attention will be Wales' UEFA Nations League clash against Ireland on Sunday afternoon.
His side are aiming to bounce back following a three-goal defeat against England in a friendly at Wembley on Thursday night.
Hughes, meanwhile, has been out of work since leaving Southampton in 2018, and has also previously managed Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR and Stoke City in the Premier League.
StuartJadeUg
480
right now we need managers who got several red cards during their time of play who'll be mad at referees and players not these OLS who laughs at bench even when the club is not judged fairly.
febakly
426
Let’s get real. That group from the 80s are not up to the mark to manage any clubs.
BSB3
231
Utd should just leave the sentiments of bringing back a legend. Giggs needs to prove himself before he is even considered. The issue is not only Ole but the board is also equally responsible. We are sure Glazers are here to stay but to makes things happen first they should keep business aside and give football the priority. They should hire a Director of Football in Van der Sar and a new manager in Pochetino at the earliest. I am not expecting a drastic change in form. But this will help both director and the new manager to assess the team on who stays and what needs to be addressed, and can have clear targents during the transfer window. By doing this atleast by next season we can enjoy some good football from oru beloved team. As a manager Ole has failed to get involved in matches tactically and that is not what we expect by a Man Utd manager. Time is needed for every manager to show what he is capable of but in Ole's case i dnt see any positive output to continue sticking with him. GGMU.