Ryan Giggs absent from Old Trafford: Manchester United assistant misses Stoke win on compassionate leave

The former player was not in attendance for the game against Stoke

Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford for Manchester United's win over Stoke (GETTY IMAGES)

Ryan Giggs was absent for Manchester United's game against Stoke City due to a family illness.

It was noted that the assistant manager had not taken up his usual seat in the Old Trafford dugout alongside Louis van Gaal, even sparking rumours that he was set to be appointed as Celtic manager.

However the reason for the former player's absence was compassionate leave due to a family illness.

Giggs missed a fine performance from Manchester United.

Jesse Lingard and Anthony Martial were on target in the first half of the Premier League meeting against the Potters.

Lingard's headed goal was the first scored by a Manchester United player in the opening 45 minutes of a Premier League match at Old Trafford since September.

When Martial doubled the lead with a beautiful curled effort from a Wayne Rooney assist, it was the first time since April that the Old Trafford faithful had seen two goals from their side in the first period at Old Trafford.

Ryan Giggs (GETTY IMAGES)

Rooney then added a third goal in the second period.