Giggs Says He Scouted Renato Sanches During Van Gaal’s First Season
REUTERS/Darren Staples
Ryan Giggs has revealed that he was sent on a scouting mission to keep tabs on Renato Sanches three years ago, and was hugely impressed by the young midfielder.
The Welshman was the club’s assistant manager during the Louis van Gaal era, and he has now revealed that he had watched Renato Sanches, who was still at Benfica at the time, during the Dutch manager Louis van Gaal’s first season at Old Trafford.
The Portuguese starlet ended up moving to Bayern instead, with the German giants edging out United in the battle for his signature. However, the move did not work out too well for the 20-year-old during his first season at the club, as he struggled for game time.
As a result, he decided it would be best to secure a loan move away from the Allianz Arena, in order to get more minutes on the pitch and prove himself once again. What no one expected, though, was for him to end up signing for Swansea City.
Paul Clement’s ties to Bayern played a major role in the deal, and Giggs believes the Premier League is the perfect place for a midfielder of the Portuguese youngster’s playing style.
Reuters/Andrew Couldridge
“I remember watching him three years ago in Louis’ [Van Gaal] first season, and instantly liking him,” Giggs told Sky Sports. “I thought then that he would suit Premier League football. It didn’t quite happen for him last year at Bayern. That can happen; a young player moving country, different language, a big club and a lot of expectation.
“But he is a talent and the Premier League will suit him because he’s an aggressive player. He can tackle, he can get forward and he’s going to a club that play football the right way, so I think he’ll be a success.
“Paul Clement’s ties to Bayern and his friendship with Carlo Ancelotti has obviously got a lot to do with him coming to Swansea. But you’ve got to capitalise on stuff like that. He’s a fantastic player and I think he will be one of the most exciting players in the league.”
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