A handful of names have been bandied about as potential successors to Alex Ferguson, when the septuagenarian Scot finally abdicates his throne at Old Trafford.

Pep Guardiola had been on the shortlist, but opted for Bayern Munich instead. Jose Mourinho is a candidate, with his incredible track record at the highest level, and stated ambition to return to the Premier League. And Fergie’s fellow Scot, David Moyes, is often touted as a left-of-centre possibility, thanks to his hard work at Everton.

However, Fergie has gone on record to say that he believes his successor could come from within United’s ranks, specifically in the guise of Red Devils veteran, Ryan Giggs.

39-year-old winger Giggs has been a United man his whole career, and Fergie thinks the former Welsh international truly has what it takes to replace him.

And it could be that Giggs has taken Fergie’s suggestion on, as the greying winger is set to become the first active player to complete the mandatory qualification for Premier League and Champions League managers.

Giggs has already completed his 'B' and 'A' licences- the compulsory preliminary courses required by prospective top division or Champions League managers.

He is now ready to begin the last step in attaining his Uefa Pro Licence, which entails 240 hours of study, including spending three days at a European club and making a detailed case study of a business through an accredited university.

Fergie will have to give Giggs some time off from work, in order for the Welshman to finish his qualifications within the next 12 months.

But if Giggs can be ready to assume the mantle at the Theatre of Dreams when Fergie decides his time is done, some days away from the training pitch will certainly be a sacrifice worth making for Giggs and Manchester United.

Can you see Giggs managing United when Fergie finally retires?