Manchester Utd, Wales icon facing court battle

MANCHESTER, United Kingdom, Aug 07 (AFP): Ryan Giggs is used to life in the public eye as a footballer who grew from a dazzling teenage talent at Manchester United into the most-decorated player in English football history.

Giggs is in the spotlight in Manchester once more on Monday as he stands trial on charges of controlling and coercive behaviour against his former girlfriend Kate Greville between August 2017 and November 2020.

The 48-year-old is also accused of assaulting Greville, causing her actual bodily harm, and common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, at his home.

Giggs has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

But the case has already had implications on his coaching career.

Giggs missed the chance to lead Wales to last year's European Championships after being placed on leave by the Welsh FA since November 2020.

He finally resigned from that role in June after Wales qualified for the World Cup under the stewardship of his former assistant Rob Page.