Ryan Giggs departs United after 29-years

Ryan Giggs has reached a settlement to confirm his departure from Manchester United – bringing an end to his 29-year stay at the club.

Giggs, 42, had a year remaining on his contract as assistant manager but new boss Jose Mourinho intends to fill that role with long-time friend Rui Faria.

Unable to reach agreement over another role at the Premier League club, Giggs, who made a record 963 appearances for the club, has decided to move on.

United are expected to release an official statement in the coming days to officially confirm the Welshman’s exit.

The club had hoped to persuade Giggs to take on a new role at the club, but having been overlooked for the top job, he has decided to move on.

In the 2013-14 season, he was made a player-coach by David Moyes and retired as a player that summer, aged 40, before signing a three-year deal as Van Gaal’s number two, with the pair leading United to their first FA Cup win in 12 years last season.

Giggs represented one of the final links to the Ferguson era – and given his service and achievements at United, the club risk a potential PR disaster in letting him leave.

The Welshman was largely responsible for promoting exciting 18-year-old England striker Marcus Rashford into the first team last season and is the embodiment of the United traditions of a commitment to youth and attacking football.

However, he was part of a static management team criticised by fans, pundits and former players for a dull style of play which ultimately cost Dutchman Van Gaal his job.

Giggs was linked with the Swansea job earlier this year and also the Nottingham Forest post earlier this summer and it is understood he will look to move into management at the first available opportunity.

Giggs won 34 trophies during his lengthy playing career, having made his debut as a 17-year-old back in 1991.