Ryan Giggs issued an Alex Ferguson style rallying call during his first pre-match speech while hinting at his lack of belief in sacked boss David Moyes, according to Spanish football expert Guillem Balague. The Manchester United interim manager, who replaced the hapless Scot last week after a horrific campaign, demanded a performance in the traditional mould of the club as opposed to focusing on the strengths of other teams – a thinly veiled swipe at Moyes’ approach.
The 40-year-old’s thunderous talk seemed to have the desired affect on his troops as they went on to thrash Norwich 4-0 at the weekend. The Red Devils have lacked their usual pace and purpose this season under the defensive minded former Everton manager and Giggs wanted a return to the Ferguson days – with his motivational speech evoking memories of the retired manager. Balague reveals that sources heard the call to arms from the normally softly spoken Welshman. Enough. We have to play like Manchester United. You have to press up and make life miserable for the opponent and decide the pace of the game, Giggs is reported to have said, Balague wrote in Spanish newspaper AS. I’m tired of worrying about the opponent. We are United.
