( CNN ) -- Over the last two decades he has been at Manchester United both as boy and man helping the club achieve the most unparallelled level of success . And on Thursday veteran midfielder Ryan Giggs took another step in further cementing his remarkable relationship with the club after he was appointed as United 's player-coach by David Moyes . Welshman Giggs made his United debut in 1990 and has won 13 Premier League titles , four FA Cups and the European Champions League in 1999 and 2008 , making him English football 's most decorated player . Moyes was announced as the United manager in May , after fellow Scot Alex Ferguson called time on his trophy-laden 26-year reign . `` I 'm delighted that Ryan has accepted the chance to become player-coach , '' former Everton manager Moyes told United 's official website as the new manager steps up his preparations for his first season at Old Trafford . `` His success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivaled perspective on the modern game . `` His career is an example to any aspiring young player and I 'm sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role . '' Now 39 , Giggs said his appointment was a `` great privilege . '' The Welshman added : `` I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear , having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long . `` It 's no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career . I 'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team . '' Former United defender Phil Neville also returns to Old Trafford as part of Moyes ' staff . Neville played for the 20-time English champions between 1995 and 2005 before moving to Everton , where he played under Moyes for eight years . Moyes ' first Premier League match as United manager is at Swansea City on August 17 . Meanwhile United 's rivals Chelsea have agreed to sign talented Dutch midfielder Marco van Ginkel from Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem . A product of the Vitesse youth system , the 20-year-old Grinkel his debut in April 2010 and will join Chelsea subject to a medical .
Ryan Giggs appointed player - coach at Manchester United . The Welshman made his United debut in 1990 . Giggs is part of manager David Hughes ' new - look backroom staff . He was announced as Alex Ferguson 's successor in May .