Ryan Giggs: What happened to the coaching career of the Man Utd icon?

“I know he was very disappointed to leave the Wales job,” Dave Adams, the FAW’s chief football officer, who worked with Giggs for a year, told BBC Sport.

“We had qualified for the European Championship, which is a great achievement, but he never got the chance to go there with the team.

“I’m sure it was really difficult for him and I would guess he still has the drive to feel the success as a head coach that he did as a player.

“When managers have been out of the game, you can look at going back as an assistant, but it has to be at a work level that respects you and your experience.

“If there was a former team-mate managing somewhere it could fit easily, but in that generation there aren’t many at a level that would benefit him.

“It’s such a competitive market and young coaches are very prominent now, so there won’t be as many options that would work for him.

“If you were the owner of a club, you still have that track record as a player of being part of a winning culture, a series winner, someone who would demand high standards.

“His track record with Wales shows how he managed a successful transition period which owners are looking for in managers now. The game moves on very quickly but when I last spoke to Ryan he spent a lot of his time watching games so he keeps things under control and I’m sure he would be able to adapt.”

Others, however, have concerns. In 2023, domestic violence advocates expressed their disappointment, outer after the CPS decided not to pursue a new trial.

BBC Sport asked charity Women’s Aid about Giggs’ more visible role at Salford City and the prospect of him returning to coaching.

In a statement, it said it is “disheartening to see alleged perpetrators of abuse seen as returning to high positions of influence and power”.

“Football is a global sport passionately followed by millions of young boys and men, many of whom look up to players, managers and directors as role models,” it continued.

“Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to uphold respect, equality and safety for women and children.

“Working with football clubs, Women’s Aid has shown how impactful these partnerships can be – we hope more clubs will follow these examples and take the opportunity to make a real difference.”

Giggs has yet to address the legal matter in an interview and BBC Sport was told he would not comment on it at this stage.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester ahead of the FA Cup tie, he confirmed he wanted to return to management “one day”.

“I had it as Wales manager and loved it,” Giggs said. “At the moment I’m enjoying being at Salford as director of football and enjoying watching the team, happy where I am but eventually I’d like to get back into management. On match day I still get as excited as ever, probably more than ever.”