Ryan Giggs is viewed as key to continuity at Manchester United after David Moyes' failure as manager, with the club to offer the Welshman a role even if Louis van Gaal, or whoever is the next permanent appointment, does not want him to continue playing and excludes him from their first-team coaching staff.
Last week Giggs was appointed as United's interim manager, with the 40-year-old given the post for four matches until the end of the season. Although he won the first game, 4-0 against Norwich at Old Trafford on Saturday, the club want a manager with a proven record of securing titles at elite European clubs and has vast experience of dealing with top-class players.
It is only in this category that the club executive believe Giggs falls short, and he himself concurs. United are intent, though, that he should remain as central to the 20-times champions as they move forward, whatever the new full-time manager decides. Van Gaal fits the club's required profile, though United continue to keep their options open, with Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti remaining on the radar.
If Real were to be knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich in Tuesday evening's semi-final second leg in Germany – the Italian's team have a 1-0 advantage from last week's first game – United believe Ancelotti's potential candicacy would become stronger, though he has ruled himself out of the job.
The permanent successor to Moyes will be under no pressure from United to retain Giggs or any of the so-called Class of 92 who are part of his coaching team – Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville – in any first-team capacity. However, if Giggs is left without a role, he will be offered one lower down the club's coaching structure by United.
Giggs's one-year playing contract expires at the end of the season, and after the victory over Norwich he admitted any decision on his future was a conversation he would have only once the stint as caretaker-manager finishes.
Anders Lindegaard, United's second-choice goalkeeper, is backing Giggs to lead the team to a strong finish at the close of what has been a dismal defence of the Premier League title.
"I think we could definitely gain something from doing that," the Dane said. "In these last few games, we can put some markers down and have something to build upon next season.
"It's a great opportunity to win back more confidence for the team and the fans. I think this situation to do it in is almost perfect.
"We have someone guiding us like Ryan Giggs who everyone on the planet respects for what he has done in his football career. I must say he's been great and he has handled everything very professionally. He seems to have stepped in with a huge amount of authority and respect. He doesn't in any way seem overwhelmed. It's probably the most difficult management job on the planet right now and he's been doing great."
