Benitez: I could not have done any more at Inter

The Spaniard was sacked after just six months in charge of the Nerazzurri in 2010, but he believes that he did a good job in difficult circumstances

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez has claimed that he had a "positive" stint in charge of Inter, arguing that he "couldn't have done any more".

The Spanish coach will this weekend return to San Siro for the first time since being sacked by theNerazzurri in 2010 after a turbulent six-month spell at the helm.

Despite winning both the Supercoppa Italiana and the Club World Cup, Benitez had a very public falling out with then club president Massimo Moratti over transfer funds and the former Liverpool boss said he made the best of a bad situation.

“My record there is positive," the Napoli boss told reporters on Friday. “I had a good relationship with the fans and I won two trophies.

"I couldn’t have done any more. I have said what I have to say and now we need to talk about the future.”

When then asked if he would shake hands with Moratti, Benitez replied: “At San Siro I will go into the dressing room and only think about the match.

"It's a very important game for both teams. We want to continue in Europe next season and we need to ensure third place in mathematical form - leaving no room for doubt.

"The team has to go all out to win."

Indeed, given Napoli can seal third place - and the Champions League berth that comes with it - by triumphing at Inter, Benitez dismissed fears that his players could have one eye on next month's Coppa Italia final against Fiorentina.

"Thinking now of the final of the Coppa would be a mistake," he declared. "We focus on the game after the match at San Siro."

Wenger: I don't want to leave

Arsene Wenger maintains that he wants to remain at Arsenal and is keen to extend his stay at the Emirates Stadium.

The 64-year-old confirmed on Friday that he would be happy to continue as Gunners' boss beyond the end of the season when his current contract comes to an end.

Wenger said: "Look, I have said many times already, I have given my word to this club and that I want to continue where I am. That means to stay."

The Frenchman joined Arsenal in 1996 and, during his 18 seasons at the club, has led the team to three Premier League titles - the last of these in 2004.

During his time in north London, Wenger has been linked with managerial jobs at many top European clubs, most recently Monaco.

According to the Daily Mail, Monaco are prepared to offer Wenger a £12.4m-a-year deal - after tax - to take over from current manager Claudio Ranieri.

Wenger is a former Monaco boss, having already spent seven years at the club before being sacked in 1994 - the year they reached the semi-finals of the European Cup.

Rodgers wants new contract

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says he is confident that he will sign a new deal and remain at the club for the long-term.

The 41-year-old was given a three-year contract in the summer of 2012 and has now led them to the brink of a first league title for 24 years.

And, speaking ahead of Sunday's crucial match at home to Chelsea, Rodgers suggested that he was likely to sign an extension over the summer.

"There is no doubt that, at some point, we will agree another deal," said Rodgers. "I am sure of that.

"This is a giant of a club in the football world and to be able to build it up again and see how the supporters, and also the general public, are enjoying Liverpool, is great.

"I knew it was a huge club, but it is not until you become a part of it that you actually realise how big."

Liverpool are five points clear of Chelsea going into Sunday's game and defeat at Anfield would eliminate Jose Mourinho's side from Premier League title contention.

Rodgers thankful to Mourinho

Rodgers worked for Mourinho during the Portuguese manager's first spell at Stamford Bridge, running the academy before taking charge of the reserve team.

And Rodgers says Mourinho advised him to take the Liverpool job when the opportunity arose.

"He's been supportive of me wherever I have been, even in my time here," said Rodgers.

"We might be considered a rival but I know that, if they didn't win the league, he would want us to win it.

"I was always going to appear somewhere and thankfully it was at Liverpool.

"I was talking to him about a choice I maybe had. He told me to take the job and what a great club Liverpool was. He encouraged me about the sheer scale of the club."

Roma 2-0 AC Milan: Pjanic & Gervinho end Rossoneri's run

Roma dented AC Milan's hopes of Europa League qualification as they cruised to a 2-0 win on Friday to keep the Serie A title race alive.

The Rossoneri headed into the game on the back of five straight wins, a run which has seen them move into seventh and within striking distance of a place in Europe's second-tier club competition.

But the visitors' winning streak was brought to an end by an impressive performance from Roma, which moves them within five points of leaders Juventus, who visit Sassuolo on Monday.

A draw or a defeat for Roma at the Stadio Olimpico would have handed Juve the chance to seal a third straight Scudetto, but goals from Miralem Pjanic and Gervinho kept the capital club's hopes intact for at least another week.

Pjanic opened the scoring in the 43rd minute for Rudi Garcia's side, highlighting a virtuoso midfield display with a breathtaking individual goal.

The visitors rarely threatened to equalise and Gervinho pounced on Christian Abbiati's error 20 minutes into the second half to wrap up the points and take their title fight a week further.

Unchanged from their 1-0 win at Fiorentina last week, the hosts had the better of a scrappy first half, full-back Dodo going close after 20 minutes when he volleyed over the bar from just inside the area.

Garcia's men continued to enjoy greater possession in the opening period and may have taken the lead if not for the defensive work of Adil Rami, who blocked a seemingly goal-bound effort from Pjanic after the Bosnian had skipped into the box.

However, the former Lyon man did find the net in spectacular fashion just before the half-time interval.

Having played a one-two with Francesco Totti midway inside the Milan half, Pjanic elegantly surged beyond Sulley Muntari, Riccardo Montolivo and Rami before coolly slotting past Abbiati.

Milan started the second half brightly and spurned a half-chance as Montolivo fired wide from Kaka's pull-back.

Pjanic remained a danger, though, and was denied a second as Abbiati produced a strong save after the 24-year-old had collected Totti's square pass from a free kick.

But the Milan goalkeeper was at fault as Roma doubled their lead, failing to handle a well-struck Totti effort and presenting Gervinho with the simple task of netting from two yards.

Clarence Seedorf's men offered little in the way of a replay as Roma eased to a comfortable win that plunges Milan's hopes of salvaging something from a disappointing season into doubt.

Tito Vilanova: Ex-Barcelona coach could not 'devote 100%' to job

Tito Vilanova says he stepped down as Barcelona coach because he could not give his full commitment to the job.

The club announced on Friday that the 44-year-old was leaving his post to continue his treatment for cancer.

"With the treatments I must follow from now on, I cannot devote 100% to the tasks of head coach," he said.Vilanova had surgery in December 2012and was given chemotherapy and radiotherapy before returning in March to see his side take the Spanish title.

Vilanova, who replaced Pep Guardiola as manager in June 2012, thanked the Barcelona players and staff for their support and said he would continue to work for the club.

In an open letter published on the club's website, he added: "After five wonderful years as part of a team that has made dreams come true for any coach, it's time to face a change in my professional life and focus my energy on continuing to fight the disease I was diagnosed with a year and a half ago.

"It is not easy to leave this very special group of players, fellow staff and friends with whom I shared many memorable experiences."

Barcelona said they expect to announce a successor within a week.

Reports in Spain suggest Joan Francesc Ferrer, known as Rubi, could replace Vilanova in a caretaker capacity.

FOOTBALL; Balotelli blasts Italian TV pundits after Roma substitution

The Italy international claimed he was mystified by the decision that saw him replaced by Giampaolo Pazzini before then lashing out at host Giancarlo Marocchi and Zvonimir Boban
AC Milan striker Mario Balotelli lambasted Clarence Seedorf's decision to substitute him in Friday's Serie A loss to Roma during an explosive post-match interview.

The Italy international was replaced by fellow forward Giampaolo Pazzini after 69 ineffective minutes at the Stadio Olimpico but was visibily upset by decision.

Balotelli appeared to ask Seedorf why he was being taken off and the 23-year-old admitted in an interview with Sportmasta Italia after the game that he was not happy with the coach's decision before then making a sarcastic reference to the fact that the panel of Giancarlo Marocchi, Zvonimir Boban and Christian Panucci had been discussing his merits as a truly world class player.

"I didn't understand my substitution," he admitted. "But given that in the studio they say that I'm not a top player, it will have been for that."

Host Marocchi suggested his substitution was perhaps because Balotelli had not moved very much while on the field, prompting a furious response from the attacker.

"Who's speaking? Marocchi? He doesn't understand football," the former Manchester City man fumed.

“I never said I’m a top player. I am a perfectly normal player. It will take time to become world class, but the reasons why I am not a top player are not the same reasons you think.

“Every game is different. If I didn’t get near the goal once tonight, then there has to be a reason.

“You always talk about me. When Milan win Mario’s great, when Milan lose it’s all Mario’s fault. I don’t need your criticism, I make my own criticism.

“You always talk and talk, say I’m precious to Italian football, but there’s no point to saying these things. No point.”

Former Milan midfielder Zvonimir Boban then weighed in, accusing Balotelli of disrespecting his Skycolleague.

"You think you're world class? But where are you going? You never do a self-critique."

Balotelli then interrupted. "I don't need your criticism," before bring an abupt end to the interview.

FOOTBALL; Tito Vilanova dies: Ex-Barcelona coach loses cancer battle aged 45

Tito Vilanova, the former Barcelona coach, has died aged 45 after a long battle with cancer.

Vilanova had a tumour removed from his throat in November 2011 before suffering a relapse in December 2012.

He stepped down as Barca boss last July to continue his treatment, with Gerardo Martino taking charge."The club wishes to express its most heartfelt sympathy to his family, who are being joined in these moments of mourning by FC Barcelona members and fans all around the world, as well as the rest of the footballing and sporting world."FC Barcelona is in immense mourning. Tito Vilanova has died at the age of 45. May he rest in peace," said a statement from the Spanish club.

"The Vilanova family has asked for respect for their desire for the strictest intimacy in the moments after his death."

The club added that a "space for condolence" would be opened in the main grandstand at their Nou Camp stadium on Friday.

The ex-Barca youth-team player was Pep Guardiola's assistant before stepping up to replace the now-Bayern Munich boss when he decided to take a sabbatical from football in June 2012.

Vilanova had surgery in December 2012 and spent 10 weeks in New York having chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but he returned in March 2013 to see his side take the Spanish title in his sole season in charge.

Barcelona won La Liga with a league record of 100 points from a possible 114, equalling the total achieved by Real Madrid in 2011-12.

In addition, his side set a new scoring record of 115 goals in 38 matches. His overall La Liga record stands at 32 wins, four draws and two defeats, as Barca finished 15 points clear of runners-up Real Madrid.

His team were knocked out of last season's Champions League after a 7-0 aggregate semi-final defeat by Bayern Munich.

Barca fans showed their support for Vilanova ahead of October's home match against Real Madrid

Tributes have been paid from many football coaches, players and clubs, with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho saying Vilanova's death was "a sad day for football".

Ex-Real Madrid coach Mourinho had several run-ins with Vilanova during his time in Spain, most notably at the end of the 2011 Spanish Super Cup.

"On behalf of everybody at Chelsea Football Club I send my deepest condolences at this most difficult time.""Tito Vilanova's passing is a sad day for football, for Barcelona and most importantly for his family and friends," said Mourinho on Chelsea's Twitter account.

Lionel Messi, the star of Vilanova's Barcelona team, said on his Facebook page: "A person difficult to forget. I will always remember you. All my love to the family of Tito."

Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas said "there are very few" people like Vilanova, who the 26-year-old first met when he joined Barca's La Masia youth academy as a teenager.

"Tito, thanks for all you have given to football and Barca. All fans love you and are eternally grateful," said the Spain international on his Facebook page.  

"I met you 14 years ago and I can say that there are very few people like you. Thank you for always trusting me to help me improve and overcome personal and professional obstacles."

Meanwhile, Barca goalkeeper Victor Valdes, 31, described Vilanova as one of the best coaches he had worked with in his career.

Atletico Madrid's former Barcelona striker David Villa, who played under Vilanova at the Nou Camp, added: "My condolences to the family and friends of Tito Vilanova. He has always been an example during his struggle. We will never forget."

"Lots of support to all of Tito's family and friends. An example of fighting and strength for all of us. RIP," tweeted  Real Madrid and Spain defender Sergio Ramos.

The Spanish Football Federation added Vilanova would "always be linked to a unique generation of players".

Ljajic hails Pjanic: It was a once-in-a-lifetime goal against AC Milan

The Serbia international was left in awe of his team-mate, who danced his way through the Rossoneri defence before opening the scoring at the Stadio Olimpico with a cool finish
Adem Ljajic has praised Roma team-mate Miralem Pjanic for his once-in-a-lifetime goal in Friday's 2-0 win over AC Milan.

With Juventus on the verge of another title, Rudi Garcia's men had to pick up maximum points to prevent the Turin giants potentially claiming the crown on Monday night, and the Bosnian's fine solo goal combined with Gervinho's second-half strike to secure maximum points for the capital side.

And Ljajic paid tribute to his colleague for making a vital breakthrough, with Pjanic jinking his way past two players as he danced his way straight through the heart of the Milan defence before coolly sliding the ball past Christian Abbiati.

"In the first 15 minutes, we didn't play well but then we raised our rhythm and Pjanic scored a goal the likes of which you only see once in your life," he enthused. "After the break, we played our game and the victory arrived like this.

"We're not going to give up until the end but it doesn't depend solely on us. We're waiting for Juventus here [on May 9]. We can win against anyone."

Meanwhile, Ljajic revealed that he wants to remain at Roma "for a long time" but says that his future will only be decided at the end of the season.

The Serbia international only joined the Giallorossi from Fiorentina for an initial €11 million last summer but he has failed to nail down a regular starting berth in Rudi Garcia's team, and Viola boss Vincenzo Montella admitted last week that he would welcome the 22-year-old back at the Artemio Franchi with open arms.

However, while Ljajic freely admits the he does not know what the future holds for him, he is hoping that he will still be at the Stadio Olimpico next season.

"I hope to stay at Roma for a long time," the attacker told Sky Sport Italia. "I like this city and I like playing in this team.

"We'll see at the end of the season what the club decide. We'll speak again when the championship's finished."

FOOTBALL; Manchester United: Ryan Giggs on 'proudest moment of life'

Interim boss Ryan Giggs says taking charge of Manchester United is "the proudest moment" of his life.

The 40-year-old Welshman is manager for the season's final four Premier League games after David Moyes's sacking.

"I am proud, I am happy and a little nervous," said the midfielder at his first news conference as boss.Giggs, the Old Trafford club's most decorated player, wants to secure a Europa League place next season for the club, who lie seventh in the table.

Giggs appeared relaxed and jovial as he addressed the media at United's Carrington training base, saying he wanted to "bring back some smiles on the faces of the fans".

Ahead of Saturday's home Premier League match against Norwich City, he said:

• His first call upon being appointed was to former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "I wanted advice and I wanted to know just what to expect."
• That he had not thought about his long-term future: "My mindset is on Norwich first and then the remaining three games."
• The mood in training has been good all week: "I can't wait for Saturday. I know the place will be rocking and know the fans will be behind us."
• Everyone at the club wanted a successful conclusion to the season: "It's been a frustrating season and I want to end it on a high."
• The team would aim to play an exciting brand of football: "It is my philosophy and it is Manchester United's philosophy."
• Jokingly that he would boost his own playing role: "I've just given myself a five-year contract while I can."
• Was grateful to Moyes: "I'd like to thank David for giving me my first chance in coaching."

Giggs came through the youth ranks at Old Trafford and was part of the famed 'Class of '92' that helped contribute to so much of the club's success under Sir Alex Ferguson.

"I have got to say it is the proudest moment of my life," he earlier told the club's MUTV channel.

"I have supported Manchester United all my life, I have been a part of the club since I was 13. I am proud, I am happy, a little nervous and, just like playing, can't wait for the game on Saturday."

Giggs has played a record 962 times for United, and will be assisted in his managerial duties by former team-mates Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

The Class of '92 - Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs together as United coaches

"My philosophy is the Manchester United philosophy. I want players to play with passion, speed, tempo, to be brave, with imagination - all the things that are expected of a Manchester United player," he said.

"I want to see goals, tackles, players taking players on and getting the crowd up. I want the passion that should come with being a Manchester United player.

"I'll tell the players just to try to enjoy yourself, express yourself. I just want them to enjoy themselves and give the fans something to smile about in the remaining four games."

United began the 2013-14 season as champions, but currently trail leaders Liverpool - who were seventh last season - by 23 points.Moyes took over as manager in July 2013 after the retirement of fellow Scot Ferguson following 26 years at the helm in which he won 38 trophies, including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.

Moyes guided the side to the last eight of the Champions League this year but they cannot finish in the Premier League top four, ruling them out of a place in Europe's top club competition next season.

Qualifying for the Europa League is not necessarily in Manchester United's hands.

With Manchester City having won the Capital One Cup, the club finishing in sixth place will secure a Europa League place only if City finish in the top four and take their spot in the Champions League.

United are 12 points adrift of fifth-placed Everton - and cannot catch them - and they have a six-point deficit to sixth-placed Tottenham with a game in hand.

FOOTBALL; Mourinho not interested in Man Utd job

The Chelsea manager was heavily linked with the role following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, but he insists "no job would move me" from Stamford Bridge
Jose Mourinho has categorically ruled himself out of the running to take the vacant managerial position atManchester United.

The Portuguese was considered one of the favourites to replace Sir Alex Ferguson last year, but David Moyes was chosen to take the position and Mourinho opted to return to former club Chelsea.

Moyes's tenure proved short and unsuccessful, with the Scot leaving on Tuesday less than 12 months into a six-year contract and Mourinho has made it clear there is no chance he will leave Stamford Bridge for another job.

At a press conference on Friday ahead of Chelsea's match against Premier League leaders Liverpool, Mourinho said: "Of course not, I don't know how somebody can think about it.

"I left Real Madrid to come specifically to Chelsea. I signed a four-year contract. I told Chelsea they never have to worry about me because I never want to leave.

"So I'm here as long as they want me to stay. No job would move me from Chelsea." 

Manuel Pellegrini - manager of United's rivals Manchester City - has expressed sympathy for Moyes, pointing to the scale of the task the former Everton boss faced when replacing Ferguson.

"I think he is a very good manager, that is why Manchester United chose him to continue the work that Sir Alex Ferguson did for so many years," said Pellegrini.

"But I don't know the reasons they have. It is always not good for the club to sack a manager who has a contract who is just starting his work - and it's very difficult to work after Alex Ferguson."

FOOTBALL; Ryan: Giggs: Man Utd role has echoes of Pep Guardiola - Bruce

Ryan Giggs could succeed as Manchester United manager in the same way as Pep Guardiola thrived at Barcelona, says Old Trafford stalwart Steve Bruce.

Giggs, 40, is temporary boss for the final four games of the Premier League season after David Moyes's sacking.

Hull City boss Bruce said: "There's been a lot of players who've jumped in. Guardiola, [Jurgen] Klinsmann - big players in big jobs.

Fellow Premier League manager - and United fans' favourite - Ole Gunnar Solskjaerbelieves Welshman Giggs is destined to be a manager at the highest level."He might win the next four games and give them something to think about."

"I have spoken to Giggsy, of course, and I wished him all the best," said the Cardiff City boss.

"Giggsy has got all the attributes to become a top, top manager one day, definitely.

"He is not one of those that always speaks every single day, but when he speaks you listen. It has always been that way. He commands respect."

Giggs had a relaxed air on Friday as he addressed the media for the first time since taking over.

The Class of '92 - Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs together as United coaches

The club's most decorated player is a product of United's youth ranks and his coaching team includes former team-mates Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes

Former United midfielder and England captain Bryan Robson believes the so-called Class of '92 can work as a management team.l

"They have a very tight bond, having played together since teenagers," said Robson.

"They understand the club and its history and the way they play. Giggs will be a good manager - he has a strong will and is dedicated to the game. He will be a manager one day, he's got what it takes."

Asked if Giggs might be permanent United manager one day, Robson told BBC Sport: "He could be, but needs to prove himself. Guardiola has followed a similar path to Giggs at Barca - Giggs now needs to prove he's a good coach. "

Current Bayern Munich coach Guardiola started in Barcelona's youth team, before graduating to the full squad and later coaching the side to two Champions League titles.

Klinsmann went from player to coach for the German national side, which he led to the 2006 World Cup semi-finals.

Former United defender Bruce said Giggs, who has scored 168 goals in a record 962 matches for United, will improve his chances of getting the post permanently with a good run-in to the season.

The appointment of Giggs makes "total sense", according to former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes."If they win the next three or four games 4-0 there'll be a clamour for Ryan. He has nothing to lose and no pressure on him, the supporters will be right behind him," he said.

"Ryan has a way of getting his view across. He was always a player that led by example anyway. What he will have is total respect from everybody at United," said the Stoke City manager.

"It's probably the right appointment, the only appointment given the week that Manchester United have had."

FOOTBALL; Liverpool - Chelsea Preview

Top two set for crucial clash at Anfield

The visitors take on the league leaders without several key players including Petr Cech and John Terry while the Reds are hoping to have Daniel Sturridge available after injury

Leaders Liverpool know a 12th consecutive league win would eliminate Jose Mourinho's team, who are five points behind in second with three matches to play, from the title race.

Third-placed Manchester City - who recently lost 3-2 at Anfield - are a point further back, but have a game in hand and will be hoping Brendan Rodgers' men slip up.

Despite Chelsea's need for points, Mourinho has suggested he will rotate his side heavily, with more importance seemingly placed on next week's Champions League semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid.

Many have criticised the Chelsea boss for taking his eye off the Premier League, but the Portuguese can take confidence from a positive record in meetings with Liverpool, against whom he has so often been the villain of the piece.
During his first stint at Chelsea, Mourinho developed a rivalry with former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez as the teams locked horns regularly in domestic and continental competition.

Mourinho has won six and lost just one of eight league clashes against Liverpool, including a 2-1 victory in this season's reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge, and the Chelsea boss does not feel under pressure in his quest for silverware.

"My players are fine," he said. "No [I don't have to win a trophy], we have to work to the maximum of our abilities.

"I'm not really worried, I think match after match. You wait for the rest of the season and see what destiny has for you."

Liverpool's destiny lies firmly in their own hands and 
A first league title since 1990 is now well within reach for Rodgers' side, whose victory over City earlier this month highlighted their ability to perform under pressure.

Ahead of the latest test of Liverpool's credentials, goalkeeper Simon Mignolet is not interested in the speculation over Chelsea's line-up.

"We don't really read too much into that," he told Liverpool's official website.

"It's more about us and about what we have to do, rather than looking at someone else. We have to make sure that we're ready for the game, like we've done so far this season. It doesn't make any difference."

Chelsea are definitely without Ramires through suspension, while John Terry (ankle), Petr Cech (shoulder), Samuel Eto'o (hamstring) and Eden Hazard (calf) are all injured.

Rodgers could be handed a boost with the potential return of Daniel Sturridge from a hamstring problem.

However, the Liverpool boss has backed his side to perform if the striker remains sidelined, stating on Friday: "We will give it another 24 hours. If he's not fit, we've coped before."

Liverpool will definitely be without the services of the suspended Jordan Henderson, while on-loan attacker Victor Moses cannot face his parent club.

FOOTBALL; Bryan Robson on Ryan Giggs, David Moyes & Man Utd's future

Bryan Robson believes Ryan Giggs could one day become the permanent manager of Manchester United.

The Welshman has been placed in temporary control for the final four Premier League games of the season after the sacking of David Moyes.

But former Old Trafford and England captain Robson - while not ruling out a permanent appointment for Giggs - expects United to choose an experienced coach in the summer.

Robson, 57, speaks about who was to blame for Moyes's departure and what the club needs to do to regain its place at the pinnacle of English football in an exclusive interview with Sportmasta Atana David.

Q: Does the blame for David Moyes's lack of success rest squarely with him?

A: He lost 11 league games at Manchester United and the expectation of the fans and the club is better than that. David is a hard-working, conscientious guy. He used to take all training sessions.

Q: What do you think of the way the sacking was handled?Sometimes there is a case of you trying too hard. He tried that hard he didn't relax into the job. That's just my view. Nobody can knock him for working hard and trying to get results.

A: Over the years United have been pretty good in that not too many things have leaked out. The last thing you want is to make a decision when you have not spoken to the person involved, and then all of a sudden it comes out in the media.

When you have got a lot of people in one room there is always somebody who is going to speak to someone else and that's what appears to have happened.

Q: Do you agree it was an unprofessional way of dealing with it?

A: Definitely. If you are going to sack anybody in football the first person who has got to know is the man who you are sacking.

Q: Do you think Manchester United are a club in crisis?

A: No, because of the squad of players they have. With Ryan being in charge with Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, and Phil Neville in behind them, it is a matter of concentrating on football and letting everything settle down. They will try to win the last four games of the season. It's as simple as that.

In the summer the club has got to make a decision. I don't think any decisions have been made on that - on who is going to be the next manager or whether Ryan has done a good enough job and they are impressed with him.

Q: Has it been embarrassing for United?

If you are not doing well on the pitch people are going to look at the set-up and say, something is not quite right here.A: It's not embarrassing but a big disappointment after all the success over the last 20 years. The disappointment is on the football pitch. People talk about what goes on off the pitch but who is really interested in that? The main thing is getting results. Criticism off the pitch doesn't come if you are successful on it.

Q: And is that Moyes's fault?

A: That's why David Moyes got the sack. He's in charge and you have got to get the best out of your players and unfortunately that didn't happen.

Q: Is Ryan Giggs the kind of man the players are going to get behind?

A: Ryan should get a good response from the players. I've said all along that the players have underperformed as individuals and there is better to come from them. They proved that the two seasons before where they won the title and only got beaten on goal difference [by Manchester City].

It's the same squad of players so they should have done better no matter what people say of David Moyes.

Q: Roy Keane says the players should be ashamed of themselves - should they?

A: That's Roy's opinion but as a player you always have to look in the mirror and say "am I getting the best out of myself" and there are definitely quite a few who could have done that and said "this is not the usual me".

Q: How tight is the bond between Giggs and the other members of the Class of '92 now in the dugout?

A: That group of players grew up together from being 12 and 13 within Manchester United. They know how the club is run and what is expected. They will try to get the best out of the team and then it's up to the club to make a decision.

Ryan is going to be a manager. He is management material. He's strong-minded and dedicated to the game and that's why he has had such a fantastic career. He will get the respect straight away from the fans and the players. Hopefully he will get that response and the club will win the last four games.

Q: Will he be Manchester United manager at some point in the future?

A: He could be. It's up to Ryan to go out and prove himself. I have not actually seen Ryan coach and that's a different ball game. Pep Guardiola came through the ranks at Barcelona and then got a chance [as manager] and was very successful.

Ryan is a strong man but whether he is a good coach, or whether he can delegate to bring in good coaches underneath him, only time will tell.

Q: Does the next manager have to be a little bit like Sir Alex Ferguson and play a more positive brand of football?

A: Everyone has been used to it under Sir Matt Busby, Sir Alex and even Ron Atkinson - attacking football that is good to watch. That's the way the club has got to play to pacify the fans.

Ryan has already said he wants the boys to go out and express themselves and play attacking football because that's the way he has been brought up. There has got to be a bit of that from the next manager, whoever it is.

Q: What kind of man will it be who takes over?

A: I don't know what the club's feelings are about Ryan but I think they will probably go with a more experienced type of coach who has been at big clubs and done it at big clubs.

Q: What does that man need to do?

A: The club have come out and said they have probably got £200m or so to spend. The biggest job for the next coach is to spend that wisely.

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“There is not a crisis at Manchester United, there is just a bit of tweaking to do but you have to make sure you spend that money wisely”

They are going to lose top players - Nemanja Vidic is going, Rio Ferdinand might decide to retire, Ryan might decide not to play any more. There are three players you have got to replace without anybody else leaving the club. To replace that type of player costs a lot of money.

That's a big part of the next step for Manchester United.

Look at Liverpool. What has Brendan Rodgers done at Liverpool? He bought Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling came through the ranks and has done a great job, Joe Allen is a nice footballer, but that's about it. What he got was a bit of confidence within the squad.

There were probably three new faces who came in and everybody else responded to that. I think that is exactly how Manchester United are at the moment.

You keep the right players, you bring in three world-class players - if you can find them - and that brings the best out of the other class players like Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney and all these lads.

There is not a crisis at Manchester United, there is just a bit of tweaking to do but you have to make sure you spend that money wisely.