Giggs was asked to choose between Ole Gunnar Solskjær, Erik ten Hag, Rúben Amorim and Michael Carrick, using Arsenal’s decision to stick with Mikel Arteta as an example of what Manchester United could have done.
For Giggs, there was only one choice.
The former Manchester United winger picked Solskjær, insisting that his decision was not simply because of their history together at the club.
“I know people will look at me and say I’m only choosing him because of our history together, but that’s not the reason,” Giggs explained.
According to Giggs, Solskjær understood what Manchester United was all about. He knew the expectations surrounding the club and understood its culture.
He also pointed to Solskjær’s record in the Premier League as evidence that the Norwegian had shown signs of building something at Old Trafford.
Solskjær guided United to third place in the Premier League before finishing second the following season. He also took the club to the Europa League final, while there were periods when the team appeared to be developing into a strong side.
Giggs believes the biggest problem was that Solskjær was not given enough time to complete the rebuilding process.
He compared the situation to Arsenal and Arteta, with the Gunners sticking with their manager during difficult periods and allowing him time to develop his squad and establish his ideas.
“That’s what I would have wanted for Ole,” Giggs said.
Rather than repeatedly changing managers and forcing the club to start another rebuild, Giggs believes United needed to choose a direction, back their manager and give him enough time to make the project work.
“So if you’re asking me who I would have trusted with that long-term project, I’d choose Ole.”
Giggs’ comments are likely to reignite the debate among Manchester United supporters over whether Solskjær should have been given more time at Old Trafford.
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