Ferguson: Giggs has 'steel' required to succeed in management

Ryan Giggs has received a ringing endorsement from Sir Alex Ferguson as he makes a solitary trip into the footballing wilderness.

Manchester United's all-time leader in appearances left his role of assistant manager at the club following the arrival of Jose Mourinho as boss, marking an emotional end to 29 years in Stretford.

Related: Ryan Giggs ends 29-year association with Manchester United

Now, after three years of coaching experience under his belt, he's going it alone, and his first-team boss of 24 years believes he has what it takes.

"It is time Ryan stood on his own feet, got out there and accepted the challenge," 74-year-old Ferguson told BBC Sport.

Giggs assisted Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford before the Dutchman was given the boot this summer, and despite being linked to taking the helm full-time, he was overlooked while the hierarchy favoured Mourinho.

"I talk about his poker face," Ferguson continued. "He has a bit of steel about him.

"It is such a highly intense results industry, you need people who go into it to have a bit of steel about them, a bit of character and personality."

Ferguson supported Mourinho's decision to bring in his own backroom staff, however, noting it's particularly important to have a trustworthy and familiar right-hand man.

"You have got to have, in your assistant, someone you have trusted all your life," said Ferguson.

"When I came to United, I brought Archie Knox because he was a valuable person for me. I trusted him 100 percent. Jose Mourinho has had his assistant for years and, quite rightly, has stuck by his own man.

"If Jose hadn't had an assistant, I know he would have taken Ryan."

Mourinho started his new job on Monday, and will first appear on the touchline for a friendly against Wigan Athletic on July 16.