Giggs fights to clear his name

Man Utd icon stands trial on charges of domestic violence against former girlfriend

MANCHESTER:

Ryan Giggs is used to life in the public eye as a footballer who grew from a dazzling teenage talent at Manchester United into the most-decorated player in English football history.

Giggs is in the spotlight in Manchester once more on Monday as he stands trial on charges of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.

The 47-year-old is also accused of assaulting Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home.

Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

But the case has already had implications on his coaching career.

Giggs missed the chance to lead Wales to last year's European Championships after being placed on leave by the Welsh FA since November 2020.

He finally resigned from that role in June after Wales qualified for the World Cup under the stewardship of his former assistant Rob Page.

But it is for his exploits on the field for Manchester United that Giggs made his name.

Former United manager Alex Ferguson recalled his first glimpse of the boy who would play a pivotal role throughout his Old Trafford reign.

"I remember the first time I saw him," he said. "He was 13 and he floated across the ground like a cocker spaniel chasing a piece of silver paper in the wind."

Off the pitch he became a pin-up and was one of the most marketable players as the glitzy Premier League era began.

Giggs was never a vocal leader on the field in the mould of some of his Manchester United teammates, and was not considered automatic management material.

When he was appointed as Wales boss he said he was aware that his status as one of their greatest players was no guarantee he would succeed at the helm of the national team.

He will hope he has the chance to coach again one day, but for now he is fighting to clear his name as he awaits his day in court.