Why Ryan Giggs will be in Salford City's dugout for Man City FA Cup tie | OneFootball

BBC cameras will undoubtedly pan to Ryan Giggs during Saturday's FA Cup third round meeting between Manchester City and Salford City.

The former Manchester United winger will be in the away dugout for Saturday's fixture, aiding Salford manager Karl Robinson as the League Two outfit attempt to pull off a miraculous upset.

But why will Giggs be on the touchline, and why is his presence so controversial?

Why will Ryan Giggs be in the dugout against Man City?

Ryan Giggs has been in the dugout for much of the season / James Baylis - AMA/GettyImages

Despite being part-owner of fourth-tier Salford, alongside his former 'Class of '92' colleagues, Giggs will be acting as one of the assistants for first-team manager Robinson's on Saturday - a position he has held since October 2024.

Giggs initially stepped in for a match against Crewe Alexandra in October following the departure of coach Simon Wiles. With Salford's other assistant, Alex Bruce, unavailable due to the tragic death of his nephew, Giggs took to the touchline to help out.

However, despite Bruce returning to his role since then, Giggs has stayed put on the sidelines. The 51-year-old has been present for 17 Salford matches, with just two defeats arriving in that time, and will be on familiar ground as he travels with the team to Man City in the FA Cup third round on Saturday.

"Karl was literally going to be left on his own [vs Crewe]," Giggs told The Athletic. "So I said, 'Right, I'll come on the bench with you.'

"It was just me and Karl, the physio, goalkeeping coach, and sport scientist. I enjoyed it. Karl enjoyed it. And we were saving a little bit of money, not getting another coach in.

"It came by chance, coming in the dugout… In a League Two team, saving every little bit of salary helps: we can get maybe a better gym kit, maybe we can get a player on loan. Whether I'm going to stay in the dugout, that's up to Karl, but at the moment I'm enjoying it."

Why is Ryan Giggs' presence in the dugout controversial?

Ryan Giggs has been taken to court over domestic assault charges / Christopher Furlong/GettyImages

The presence of Giggs in the Salford dugout at the Etihad Stadium is highly controversial. The former Wales manager was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his former girlfriend, Kate Greville, in October 2020, with Giggs denying all claims brought against him.

He was accused of head-butting Greville, as well as employing controlling behaviour, both physical and psychological, during their relationship. Giggs was also accused of assaulting Greville's sister, Emma, which he also denied.

The jury in Giggs' first trial failed to come to an agreed verdict on charges and he was formally acquitted in July 2023 after Greville decided against giving evidence again during the re-trial. She said she felt "worn down" by the process and couldn't face the prospect of testifying in court again.

Charity Women's Aid revealed their disappointment in Giggs returning to the touchline. "[It's] disheartening to see alleged perpetrators of abuse being considered to return to elevated positions of influence and power," a statement read.

"Football is a global sport followed passionately by millions of young boys and men, many of whom look up to players, managers and directors as role models. Football clubs, and the sports industry, have a responsibility to uphold respect, equality, and safety for women and children."