Peter Schmeichel has claimed that Ryan Giggs's departure from Manchester United after a 29-year association with the club could be a good decision in the long term.

The Welshman's illustrious Old Trafford career came to an end on Saturday afternoon when it was confirmed that he would not be staying on as part of new manager Jose Mourinho's coaching team.

Many United supporters greeted the news with sadness, but former goalkeeper Schmeichel is hopeful that Giggs can now gain a reputation as a manager in his own right before returning to the Theatre of Dreams further down the line.

Asked for his thoughts on his ex-teammate's exit, he tweeted: "Sad, but good if he wants the chance of returning as manager. Experience is key so he's going out there for it."

Current United players also took to social media to pay tribute to Giggs, with Michael Carrick saying: "Gonna miss this fella. All great things come to an end I suppose. He's gonna make a top manager. Good luck mate."

Ander Herrera added: "It has been a great honour to learn from such a football legend like you. I wish you all the best."

Giggs won a record 13 top-flight titles, two European Cups, four FA Cups and four League Cups across 963 appearances for the Red Devils.