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.
“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.”
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