Football: Giggs denies rift with Man Utd boss

Ryan Giggs (left) and Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal. Photo / Getty Images

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs has rubbished talk of a rift in his relationship with Old Trafford boss Louis van Gaal.

Reports of issues between the pair emerged when former United midfielder Giggs gave a muted response to Ashley Young's dramatic late winner on Thursday (NZT) against Newcastle.

While van Gaal was jubilant, Giggs remained stone-faced while his manager celebrated at St James' Park.

However, the 41-year-old dismissed talk of tension and praised United boss Van Gaal.

"It's coming to that part of the season where the media will look at any little thing to make it more exciting and more interesting," Giggs told BBC Sport.

"Me and Louis have a great working relationship. He's given me a massive opportunity and I'm taking it. I'm working as hard as I can and I'm enjoying every minute of it."

Giggs was handed the reins at Old Trafford for the last four games of last season after David Moyes' exit, before being given the role of assistant alongside van Gaal when he joined the club in May.

The former Wales international is relishing the task of being involved at the club where he spent his entire senior career and learning from the 63-year-old Dutchman.

"He's won everything and, to work under someone like Louis, is a great experience for me and he's been brilliant with me," Giggs added.

"He's given me a lot of responsibility and, of course, I have told him as much as I can about the Premier League and what to expect.

"I've really enjoyed working under him and learning something new every day."

- AAP