Manchester, Sep 27 (IANS): Former Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has backed Ryan Giggs to take over the reigns of the former English Premier League (EPL) champions once current incumbent Luis van Gaal calls it a day.

Giggs, who has represented Manchester United for 14 years, currently serves as an assistant manager to van Gaal.

United's owners were reportedly considering Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola as a potential replacement once van Gaal's contract expires in 2017 because they are worried about Giggs' lack of management experience.

But Ferguson believes that the Welshman is the perfect canditate -- and is ready to extend him the nessecary support in the boardroom.

"I think Ryan has all the qualities to be a fantastic manager. I have heard it said that he will have to go to another club first because he doesn't have enough experience."

"But he is gaining experience working with Louis van Gaal and he also had experience working with David Moyes and working under me as a player," Ferguson was quoted as saying by the local media here on Sunday.

"I don't think that Ryan needs to go anywhere."

Giggs is the most decorated player in football history winning 13 EPL titles, four FA Cups, two Champions League titles, a World Club Cup and an Intercontinental Cup under Ferguson's guidance during his time at United.

Van Gaal is halfway through his three-year contract at Old Trafford, and has indicated that he plans to retire once the deal expires.

Ferguson, however, isn't convinced that the former Holland coach will find it easy to give up the top job at the EPL giants.

"Louis has said he will retire in 2017, but I'm not so sure," Ferguson said.

"Once you get bitten by the bug at United it is very difficult to walk away."