Ryan Giggs was Valencia's first choice before Gary Neville was appointed

Ryan Giggs is currently serving as the assistant manager at Manchester United

Before Gary Neville took over the reins at La Liga outfit Valencia his fellow Class on ‘92 teammate Ryan Giggs was targetted by the Spanish club’s owner Peter Lim, who even went through the effort of contacting the former Manchester United player. However, Lim was left frustrated in his efforts after the Welshman and his representatives informed the owner, who also owns a stake in Salford City along with Giggs and his former Class on 92 teammates, that he was happy to continue his role as Louis van Gaal’s assistant at Old Trafford.

The Valencia board were still keen to see a Class of ‘92 member in the hot seat and then turned to Neville, whom they considered the next best contender. Giggs’s decision to reject a job as head coach at a top club says a lot about his ambitions, the top of which is probably to succeed Van Gaal as manager of Manchester United when the latter’s contract expires in 2017.

The 42-year-old has previously stated that he considers the Wales and Manchester United managerial positions as his two top jobs and isn’t willing to give up on his hopes just yet even though current Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola is heavily linked with the United job when Van Gaal steps down.

The former Wales international has not been given any guarantees with regard to succeeding Van Gaal, but has been told that his role as caretaker manager after David Moyes’ sacking back in 2014 has put him in the running.

Gary Neville’s first game in charge as Valencia coach was a Champions League encounter which Los Che lost 2-0 to Lyon

The Old Trafford faithful have called on Giggs to enter the touchline area more often to advice Van Gaal during games, which have been rather dull in recent times. However, Van Gaal has cordoned off the touchline area for himself and has instructed his staff not to intervene unless called upon. Giggs himself has been reportedly disappointed by Van Gaal’s tactics but respects his superior and lets him do his job.

Earlier, Neville had revealed he was thrilled to get the Valencia job when he was appointed.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be given this opportunity with Valencia,” Neville had said. “Valencia are a huge football club of immense standing and I know from my time as a player the passion and dedication of the Valencia fans.

“I am really looking forward to working with the club’s talented group of players and am excited about the challenge ahead.”