BBC cameras will no doubt be keeping an eye on Ryan Giggs during Saturday’s FA Cup third round clash between Manchester City and Salford City.
The former Manchester United winger will be on the away bench for Saturday’s game, supporting Salford manager Karl Robinson as the League Two side attempt to pull off a miraculous upset.
But why will Giggs be on the sidelines and why is his presence so controversial?
Despite being co-owner of fourth division club Salford alongside his former Class of ’92 colleagues, Giggs will act as one of the assistants to first team manager Robinson’s on Saturday – a position he has held since October 2024.
Giggs initially stepped in for a game against Crewe Alexandra in October following the departure of coach Simon Wiles. With Salford’s other assistant, Alex Bruce, unavailable due to the tragic death of his nephew, Giggs went to the sidelines to help out.
But although Bruce has since returned to his role, Giggs remains on the sidelines. The 51-year-old played in 17 games for Salford and only suffered two defeats during this time. He will be in familiar territory when he travels with the team to Man City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
“Karl was literally on his own [vs Crewe]said Giggs The athlete. “So I said, ‘All right, I’ll sit on the bench with you.’
“It was just me and Karl, the physiotherapist, goalkeeping coach and sports scientist. I enjoyed it. Karl enjoyed it. And we saved a bit of money by not hiring another coach.”
“It happened by chance when I came to the dugout… In a team in the second division, every bit of salary helps to save: maybe we can get better sports equipment, maybe we can borrow a player. Whether I stay. “In the dugout it’s up to Karl, but at the moment I’m enjoying it.”
Giggs’ presence in the Salford dugout at the Etihad Stadium is highly controversial. The former Wales manager was arrested in October 2020 on suspicion of assaulting his former girlfriend Kate Greville, with Giggs denying all claims made against him.
He was accused of headbutting Greville and being physically and psychologically controlling during their relationship. Giggs was also accused of attacking Greville’s sister Emma, which he also denied.
Jurors in Giggs’ first trial were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the charges and he was formally acquitted in July 2023 after Greville chose not to testify again at the retrial. She said she felt “exhausted” by the trial and couldn’t bear the prospect of testifying in court again.
Charity Women’s Aid said it was disappointed that Giggs returned to the sidelines. “[It’s] “It is disheartening to see alleged abusers return to elevated positions of influence and power,” it said in a statement.
“Football is a global sport that is passionately followed by millions of young boys and men, many of whom look up to players, managers and directors as role models. Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to uphold respect, equality and safety for women and children.”