Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has revealed that he clashed with Louis van Gaal over the sale of players during his time on the Old Trafford bench.

Van Gaal spent two years as Red Devils' boss, with Giggs working as his assistant between 2014 and 2016.

And despite the Dutchman yielding an FA Cup success in his second season, the reigns of the Dutchman and predecessor David Moyes are widely seen as factors why United are failing to keep pace with rivals Man City - despite spending almost £700million since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement.

Giggs left the club, ending a 29-year association, following Jose Mourinho's arrival in 2016.

Now he has opened up on difficulties working with Van Gaal, and differences of opinion on three players who had been key men in Ferguson's later years: Jonny Evans, Brazilian fullback Rafael and Danny Welbeck.

Giggs talks to ex-United boss Louis van Gaal (
Image:
AFP/Getty)

“There have been a lot who have come through that haven’t been United players and also players who were United players and shouldn’t have left," said Giggs, speaking to The Times.

"I’m talking about Rafael, Welbeck, Jonny Evans — players who are United through and through.

“It was hard because Louis had his own ideas and you had to respect that, but, yes, we had a few arguments about a couple of them. He understood [my position] because I had played with those lads, but they just weren’t for him.

“Some of them, like Welbeck, wanted to play more regularly, and Jonny had a few injuries at the time, so you could understand it, but — and it’s not saying it in hindsight — recruitment hasn’t been great either.”

Welbeck was allowed to leave and join Arsenal (
Image:
Getty)
A starter under Ferguson, unwanted by Van Gaal (
Image:
Manchester United)
Evans is now being linked with a return (
Image:
Action Images via Reuters)

Giggs has been linked with a return to the dugout, but insists he won't be heading to Swansea following Paul Clement's departure.

Giggs was in line to replace Francisco Guidolin last season before Swansea opted for Bob Bradley.

Giggs claimed the club didn't match his ambitions and despite being on the lookout for his first job, he insists it won't be at the Liberty Stadium.

Giggs left United when Jose Mourinho arrived (
Image:
REUTERS)

"No, I've already spoken to them before, last time before they appointed Bob Bradley," Giggs told Sky Sports after being asked if he would be interested.

"Over the years, it has been a well run club but it is tough now and it gets tougher every year.

"They lost good players in the summer, Sigurdsson and Llorente, and haven't replaced them.

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