'Gary had very limited experience as a manager but he did a great job. Our players and fans still haven’t got over his death.'

Wales hope to have their new manager ready for their next friendly match, which is likely to be with Costa Rica — the team Speed made his playing debut against - on February 29.

Giggs could initially take charge on a part-time basis so he can juggle his playing duties with United.

Sir Alex Ferguson has already hinted that Giggs will be offerd be offered another one-year contract after this season to extend his playing career beyond the age of 38.

He said: ‘There’s absolutely no evidence at all at this moment in time that Ryan’s energy, stamina or speed are decreasing. In fact, it’s exactly the same as it was the last two or three years. It’s amazing.

‘I know it’s mid-season now and it all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future too. He knows he can’t go on forever, and we know he can’t go on forever, but on the evidence of what we’re seeing at the moment I think he can play for another year.

‘I thought at Fulham on Wednesday he was unbelievable. He controlled the midfield and I saw Danny Murphy bellowing at his strikers to get to him because Danny was finding it hard. It’s an established fact that he’s just an incredible footballer.’

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