After ten months, 51 games (27 wins, nine draws and 15 losses) and zero trophies (no, the Community Shield doesn't count), David Moyes' tenure of Manchester United came to a shuddering, headline-grabbing conclusion. With only four games of the Premier League season remaining, United's managerial duties and the eyes of the media now rest on their most successful player - Ryan Giggs.
With so little at stake for the team (cemented in seventh place, Europe an impossible dream), our attention is turned not toward Giggs' potential line-ups or tactics, but to that trickiest of managerial decisions: what to wear.
Here are the managerial style precedents that the forever-young Welshman could well follow.
_______________________________________________________
Bryan Robson: The definitive player-manager
Notable attire: Akin to the businessman who forgot his PE kit, a mix of formal blazer and sporting shorts
In May 1994, former United star Bryan Robson was unveiled as player-manager of Middlesbrough in truly unforgettable fashion. Having avoided the fanfare of a formal unveiling, one wonders whether Giggs could still attempt to match Robson's unusual blending of the roles. While the style cannot be faulted in portraying the mixed requirements of the role, it fails entirely at being practical for either position. The man isn't even wearing shoes for goodness' sake.
_______________________________________________________
Pep Guardiola: The overachiever
Notable attire: Italian suits, four-in-hand tie knots
When the Spaniard signs off on his end of career memoirs, he'd do well to consider Dressing for success as a possible subtitle. While we doubt the yoga-toned frame of Giggs would look at home in a Sir Oliver suit and skinny tie, a style offensive of similar proportions could help distract cameras from whatever the United team are doing on the pitch.
_______________________________________________________
Tony Pulis: The man of action
Notable attire: Tracksuit, cap, harried expression
Manchester City fans are credited with describing Tony Pulis' pitch-side uniform as one of 'wearing the club shop' - but such words don't seem to have distracted him or his Palace team from claiming mid-table safety. In his role as a United club coach, Giggs has already donned a similar AON-emblazoned tracksuit look - probably the most likely he'll adopt if he's to sub himself on for one final hurrah in front of the Old Trafford fans.
_______________________________________________________
Roberto Mancini: The Professional
Notable attire: V-neck jumpers, suits, club colours
Roberto Mancini's reign at Manchester City will be remember for two things: restoring the noisy neighbours to winning ways, and an endearing habit of incorporating his club colours into a sharp suit. One cannot underestimate the psychological boost a player will receive when, worn and weary, they glance up from the flow of play to see a vision of professionalism and coolness pacing the touchline. We're not saying it'll transform United's season if Giggs wears a suit, but it can hardly damage their season any further.
_______________________________________________________
Brian Clough: The fashion unconscious
Notable attire: Comfy jumper, a misplaced polo shirt collar, a twinkle in the eye
While European managers seem to exude style as a matter of course, the most successful of English gaffers have never been blessed with similar wardrobe sensibilities. Giggs could go the same way, opting for a Clough-esque comfortable combination of a favoured jumper and air of unquestionable brilliance.
(Images: AllStar; Rex)
Latest
Related Reviews and Shortlists
