Fergie hails ‘top man’ Giggs

SIR Alex Ferguson has praised Wales boss Ryan Giggs and revealed his pride at the former Manchester United winger enjoying managerial success.

A 2-0 win over Hungary on Tuesday sealed a second successive appearance for Wales at the European Championship, but when Giggs was appointed in 2018, it was not a universally popular choice.

He came in for heavy criticism over selection and tactics during the summer setbacks in Croatia and Hungary, defeats which left Euro 2020 qualification hopes hanging in the balance.

But a run of eight points from their final four qualifiers sent Wales through to only a third ever major tournament and helped the one-time Red Devils caretaker boss silence his critics.

Giggs’ old manager Ferguson, speaking at a fundraiser for international football charity Grassroot Soccer in London, said: “Ryan was always going to be a top man. He is intelligent, he has great drive about him and is doing a great job with Wales. And giving young players a chance too. It is fantastic.”

Earlier this month, Giggs revealed Ferguson sends him a good luck message before every match.

Grassroot Soccer, which uses football as a platform to provide over two million young people in 50 countries with health services, held a live auction at the fundraising gala in London with one of the prizes the chance to go up against members of the Class of 92.

Ferguson is set to manage the team facing the likes of Giggs plus his old team-mates.