Alex Ferguson gives evidence in defence of Ryan Giggs

Alex Ferguson has told a court he never saw Ryan Giggs lose his temper as he gave evidence defending his ex-player.

The former Manchester United manager, 80, spoke about his relationship at the club with Mr Giggs, who is on trial charged with assaulting his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville.

The 80-year-old managed the Old Trafford club from 1986 to 2013 and gave Mr Giggs his first team debut as a 17-year-old in 1991.

Mr Giggs, 48, denies using controlling and coercive behaviour against Kate Greville, 38, between August 2017 and November 2020, assaulting her, causing actual bodily harm, and the common assault of her younger sister, Emma Greville, 26.

Mr Ferguson told defence counsel Chris Daw that he was manager for Manchester United for 27 years and "first got to know" Mr Giggs when the youngster was aged 13.

He said Giggs was playing for a local club at the time and was training at Manchester City's ground.

He said: "After that we visited his house to try to convince him to come to Manchester United. Myself and my assistant Archie Knox."

Chris Daw QC asked: "Did you get to know him as a child during that period?"

Mr Ferguson replied: "His main contact was his mother. She was very good. Very accommodating.

"Ryan was a quiet boy. He just sat there listening to what was being said. His mum did all the talking."

'Next George Best'

Mr Ferguson told the court Mr Giggs signed a schoolboy form with Manchester United before getting into the first team at the age of 17.

He said: "That was the first time we had to really think about looking after him.

"The thing was, the press started comparing him with George Best. We had to face a lot of attention on the boy.

"I said to his mother: 'Look, if you are able to trust me I'll look after him'.

"If any