Ryan Giggs has vowed to put a smile back on the faces of Manchester United fans.
The Welshman was in a good mood as he conducted his first news conference Friday, three days after being appointed player-manager following the dismissal of David Moyes.
Giggs even joked that he had given himself a new five-year contract.
He hopes to get United back on track in their final four league matches.
Read more: Andy Mitten writes Ryan Giggs and company have brought smiles to Manchester United after season of sulks
“It’s a proud moment for me to manage Manchester United and it’s one I will enjoy,” said Giggs, who will take his place in the dugout for the first time against Norwich on Saturday. “I want to bring back some smiles on the faces of the fans.
“I can’t wait for the game. The players are excited, too. I know the stadium will be bouncing.”
Moyes left United seventh in the Premier League, 23 points behind leaders Liverpool, and was dogged by rumours that he did not have a good relationship with his players, but Giggs gave no indication of that.
“I’d like to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching,” said Giggs, who was appointed first-team coach when Moyes arrived.
“It was something I’ll always remember when he rang me in the summer and asked me to come on board. Obviously, I was still playing but he’s given me my first opportunity of a coaching role.”
Despite Giggs’s warm words, there was a feeling around the Carrington training site Friday that everyone at the club was keen to move on and forget the 10 difficult months under Moyes.
United were flat, unimaginative and slow in Moyes's final game in charge, a 2-0 loss at Goodison Park.
Giggs, 40, the club’s most decorated player, with 13 Premier League titles, wants to bring back a bit of flair to Old Trafford.
“It’s been a frustrating season for everyone,” he said. “We win together and lose together and in these remaining four games, I want to bring the positivity back.
“We have three home games at Old Trafford, where the home form hasn’t been great, and I want to see goals, tackles, players taking players on and getting the crowd up.
“I want the passion that should come with being a Manchester United player.”
sports@thenational.ae
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Company%20Profile
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Women’s World T20, Asia Qualifier, in Bangkok
UAE fixtures Mon Nov 20, v China; Tue Nov 21, v Thailand; Thu Nov 23, v Nepal; Fri Nov 24, v Hong Kong; Sun Nov 26, v Malaysia; Mon Nov 27, Final
(The winners will progress to the Global Qualifier)
Results
5pm: UAE Martyrs Cup (TB) Conditions Dh90,000 2,200m
Winner: Mudaarab, Jim Crowley (jockey), Erwan Charpy (trainer).
5.30pm: Wathba Stallions Cup (PA) Handicap Dh70,000 1,400m
Winner: Jawal Al Reef, Richard Mullen, Hassan Al Hammadi.
6pm: UAE Matyrs Trophy (PA) Maiden Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner: Salima Al Reef, Jesus Rosales, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Apprentice Championship (PA) Prestige Dh100,000 1,600m
Winner: Bainoona, Ricardo Iacopini, Eric Lemartinel.
7pm: Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak (IFAHR) Ladies World Championship (PA) Prestige Dh125,000 1,600m
Winner: Assyad, Victoria Larsen, Eric Lemartinel.
8pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Jewel Crown (PA) Group 1 Dh5,000,000 1,600m
Winner: Mashhur Al Khalediah, Jean-Bernard Eyquem, Phillip Collington.
Jawan
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The%20specs
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Super Saturday results
4pm: Mahab Al Shimaal Group 3 | US$350,000 | (Dirt) | 1,200m
Winner: Drafted, Pat Dobbs (jockey), Doug Watson (trainer).
4.35pm: Al Bastakiya Listed | $300,000 | (D) | 1,900m
Winner: Divine Image, Brett Doyle, Charlie Appleby.
5.10pm: Nad Al Sheba Turf Group 3 | $350,000 | (Turf) | 1,200m
Winner: Blue Point, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
5.45pm: Burj Nahaar Group 3 | $350,000 | (D) | 1,600m
Winner: Muntazah, Jim Crowley, Doug Watson.
6.20pm: Dubai City of Gold Group 2 | $300,000 | (T) | 2,410m
Winner: Old Persian, William Buick, Charlie Appleby.
6.55pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Group 1 | $600,000 | (D) | 2,000m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer.
7.30pm: Jebel Hatta Group 1 | $400,000 | (T) | 1,800m
Winner: Dream Castle, Christophe Soumillon, Saeed bin Suroor.
SERIE A FIXTURES
Saturday Benevento v Atalanta (2pm), Genoa v Bologna (5pm), AC Milan v Torino (7.45pm)
Sunday Roma v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Udinese v Napoli, Hellas Verona v Crotone, Parma v Lazio (2pm), Fiorentina v Cagliari (9pm), Juventus v Sassuolo (11.45pm)
Monday Spezia v Sampdoria (11.45pm)
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km
Company Profile:
Name: The Protein Bakeshop
Date of start: 2013
Founders: Rashi Chowdhary and Saad Umerani
Based: Dubai
Size, number of employees: 12
Funding/investors: $400,000 (2018)