Giggs ready to strike out

week and his first stop will be to seek out Louis van Gaal’s successor.

He wants to find out if the role that has been offered – a coach bridging the first-team and the Under-21s – is worthwhile.

And if he does not like the answer, he will bring to an end his 29-year association with the club.

Giggs wanted to remain as assistant – but Mourinho will install longtime confidante Rui Faria into the position.

And so the stage has been set for the Welshman, 42, to strike out on his own for the first time since joining Manchester United as a teenager.

Giggs’ exit means the club’s links to the class of ‘92 have been diluted.

Only Nicky Butt, in charge of the Academy, will have any formal ties to the Red Devils.