Ryan Giggs claims Manchester United can 'do a Liverpool' next season

The interim-manager has urged the club not to rush the appointment of a permanent successor to David Moyes

Ryan Giggs pictured after Manchester United's 1-0 defeat to Sunderland at Old Trafford (GETTY IMAGES)

Ryan Giggs believes Manchester United's hopes of returning to the top next season should not be written off, pointing to the example of Liverpool for teams achieving the unexpected.

Giggs is currently overseeing the end to what has been a dreadful season by United's high standards. Having been installed for the final four games of the campaign, it was hoped the most decorated player in British football history could restore some semblance of pride at Old Trafford.

However, after a straight forward win over Norwich in his first game, Giggs oversaw a dismal performance that resulted in Sunderland winning at the Theatre of Dreams for the first time since 1968.

After the defeat on Saturday, Giggs acknowledged change is needed if the most successful English club in history is to return to the top. But the Welshman believes that return could be swift.

"Obviously players are going to come in. And at United you need that bit of quality that we didn't show [against Sunderland]. But I still maintain there's quality in the dressing room. Of course, the players who come in have got to be good players and improve the squad and team.

"I think with United you've got to try and challenge every year, so that's what we'll do – whether it will happen we'll have to wait and see. But you've seen with Liverpool, I don't think anyone here would think that Liverpool would be in the position they are this season – they've had a great season, so it can happen."

While Giggs hopes this season can be put behind United swiftly, the Welshman has urged fans to remain patient.

"Yeah, I think the fans understand, I think the fans have been great this year," he said. "The supporters understand that we all want to be back up at the top and if it takes a bit of time then I'm sure they'll support us and we're all pulling in the right direction."

If appointed, Louis van Gaal must first guide the Netherlands at the World Cup before taking up the United job (Getty Images)

Giggs had been strongly touted for the manager job on a permanent basis, however the defeat to Sunderland appears to have lessened his claim. Louis van Gaal is expected to be appointed this week, however Giggs does not believe any appointment should be rushed.

"The best thing to do is obviously to get the best man for the job and if that takes time then so be it," he said. "I don't think it's necessarily that it needs to be sorted quickly, it's just the best man for the job."