Ryan Giggs has explained what he’s learned as a manager from Sir Alex Ferguson, who he still regularly seeks advice from.

The Manchester United legend is now in charge of Wales and has led his national team to the European Championship finals, which will now take place in summer 2021.

After a difficult start as Wales boss, Giggs turned things around to qualify in fine style. But he’s told WalesOnline that Ferguson is regularly on the other end of the phone if he needs advice.

“Yes, he was on congratulating me too,” said Giggs, asked if Ferguson spoke to him after qualification was sealed.

He admitted a number of former United players and coaches had spoken to him.

Giggs added: “But some of them, including Sir Alex, were also there for me during the low points, telling me to keep my head up, offering advice, that sort of thing.

“I actually lean on my staff mostly. Albert Stuivenburg, who I worked with at United, has been fantastic with the things he suggests, Osian Roberts when he was with us, I spoke to Chris Coleman a few times about different matters. I tend to keep it internal when I can.

“But it would be silly of me not to utilise the experience of Sir Alex, who has so much knowledge of how to deal with different scenarios.

“He’s been there to help me when necessary. It’s not so much football, he doesn’t tell me what tactics to use or anything like that. But he does offer guidance on how to deal with certain situations, how to be decisive, that sort of thing.”

Giggs also admitted he took inspiration from Ferguson’s decisiveness when making tactical decisions.

He’s already gained a reputation as a bold manager, unafraid to drop players are spring a surprise in his team selection.

He added: “Even some of my staff are wondering ‘What on earth are you doing this for?’ Let alone the fans, or media, or anybody else, but I’ve stuck to my guns and generally I’d like to think I’ve been proven right.

“This is definitely something I learned from Sir Alex. He was so decisive. I was in the dressing room at times wondering ‘What’s he doing with a particular decision?’ Yet invariably it worked out, we won and no-one says anything afterwards.

“That’s how you have to be as a manager.”