Manchester United hero Ryan Giggs took interim charge at Old Trafford after David Moyes' dismissal before enjoying a No 2 role under Louis van Gaal.
And Red Devils hero Mark Hughes thinks if Giggs can enjoy a solid Euro 2020 campaign with the country, he will be in the running to potentially take over his former side when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer departs.
“I think Ryan is in a good place in his management career,” Hughes told the BBC.
“He is on an upward trend. He is probably more likely to get an opportunity at United than he was when van Gaal left in 2016.
“Maybe they felt his management CV wasn’t strong enough at that point, but if he goes to the European Championship and does well, then there’s no reason why he won’t be in the frame.”
And Hughes feels as though Pep Guardiola is the reason the United legend wasn't offered the role following Van Gaal's exit.
“Giggs worked very closely with Van Gaal, which I felt was a good decision.
“I thought that was with a view to him taking over the role when Van Gaal left. It wasn’t to be, and they decided to go for a bigger name – Mourinho.
“I think that was pushed maybe a little bit because of the appointment at City of Guardiola.
“Maybe they felt they needed like for like, which probably affected Ryan’s chances.”
Giggs' commitment to Wales was questioned during his playing days.
However, Hughes has defended his former star from that criticism.
“There was a little bit of comment, shall I say, when he got the [Wales] job because people questioned his commitment to the Welsh cause,” Hughes said.
“But listen, he was in difficult circumstances and there was always a balance with his club at the time.
“Sir Alex was very strong and was very reluctant for any players – English, Irish, Welsh, wherever they came from – to leave on international duty unless they were key games.
SEE ALSO | Paul Pogba Has Been Told His New Role At Manchester United
“He wasn't too happy with friendlies to say the least. But we got him for friendlies on occasions and he was always there for the big games, so his commitment was always there.”
This article was most recently revised and updated 4 years ago
