Manchester United Transfer News: Phil Neville Joins Coaching Staff After Ryan Giggs is Appointed Player/Coach

Jul 04, 2013 10:46 PM EDT

David Moyes is certainly making his mark after taking over as Manchester United manager from Sir Alex Ferguson.

The new manager not only gave a coaching role to Ryan Giggs, but also appointed his former captain at Everton Phil Neville - a United man through and through - as a coach.

"I have known and worked with Philip for eight years and, in that time, I have come to know his dedication, ability to lead and appetite for hard work," Moyes told the club's official website.

"In addition, of course, he understands the club very well and I think his addition to the coaching staff will be a valuable one.

Neville came through the ranks of the famous United academy before playing in the senior team for ten years from 1995 to 2005.

The utility man, who is currently taking his coaching badges, then left for Everton, where he spent the last eight years before retiring at the end of the season.

"When I retired from football, I knew that I wanted to continue in the game, it's something that I have been preparing for over the last few years," Neville said. "So when David called to give me this opportunity, I couldn't resist.

"I gave my all when I played for Everton but it is no secret that this club is in my heart. I've really enjoyed working with David and his staff as a player and I think that, together with Ryan, we can make a real contribution to Manchester United."

Earlier, United announced the appointment of Giggs as player/coach, as the midfielder, who signed a new one-year contract extension in March, builds the blocks towards forging a career in management after his retirement.

"It's a great privilege to be appointed a player/coach," he said. "I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.

"It's no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career. I'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team."

Moyes is hopeful Giggs can have a positive impact on the younger players in the squad. "I'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player/coach," the Scot said. "His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game.

"His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I'm sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role."

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