Manchester United's executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward says Ryan Giggs's achievements in a red shirt will never be equalled in the English game. Giggs is the most decorated player in Premier League history, having won 13 league titles, four FA Cups and two Champions Leagues, among 34 trophies.

Woodward adds: "Ryan Giggs has been one of the greatest players ever to wear the red shirt of Manchester United. In the way he played, he was the embodiment of a Manchester United player - fast, skilful, entertaining and determined to win by playing exciting football.

"His progress from the ranks of the famous 'Class of '92' to the most decorated player in this or any club's history is down to his hard work, ability and attitude He is at the start of an exciting new chapter in his and the club's life but now is the right moment to reflect on the achievements of the finest British player of the last 25 years."

Former England captain Gary Lineker on Twitter:, external Interviewed Louis van Gaal for a documentary 20 years ago. Asked him what he would do if teams work out his system? 'This will never happen', he replied.

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

"While David Moyes often looked like a man who wondered if he was big enough for Manchester United, Louis van Gaal is so unburdened by modesty that he may wonder if Manchester United is big enough for him.

"In a spot of typically measured self-analysis, the 62-year-old, who will assume control at Old Trafford after the Netherlands' World Cup campaign, announced: 'I am who I am - confident, arrogant, dominant, honest, hard-working and innovative'.

"Van Gaal is all of those things and more. If United appeared an ill-fitting suit for Moyes then this much-travelled and well-decorated coach will regard the "Theatre Of Dreams" as tailor-made for his talent and pedigree."

Read more of Phil's blog on Manchester United's new manager on the BBC Sport website.

Adam Taylor on Twitter:, external Louis van Gaal is very like Sir Alex Ferguson, dictatorial, experienced and ambitious except with a thick accent, oh wait!

Badhorsie on Twitter:, external Target for Louis van Gaal will be Champions League spot and to at least compete for the title.

Rolly Rollinson on Twitter:, external Delighted with Louis van Gaal. Does things his own way, plays attacking football and is someone big players will want to play for.

Image source, @premierleague

Premier League on Twitter:, external Ryan Giggs scored in each of the first 21 Premier League seasons and won an astonishing 13 titles, the first back in 1993.

Times northern football correspondent James Ducker on Twitter:, external With Ryan Giggs retirement following Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic exits, that's a combined 24 Premier League winners' medals Man Utd have lost. Must keep Patrice Evra now.

Does Louis van Gaal have the credentials to be a success as Manchester United's new manager? See BBC Sport's analysis here.

Daily Telegraph football correspondent Henry Winter on Twitter:, external Good to see sanity prevail and Ryan Giggs appointed assistant to Louis van Gaal at Manchester United. Good coach, counsel and dressing-room conduit.

Daily Telegraph northern football correspondent Mark Ogden:, external "The records and landmarks set by Ryan Giggs during his 23-year career are unlikely to be broken, with the player having won a remarkable 13 Premier League titles at United.

"Giggs has won every major honour in club football, with the exception of the Europa League, and amassed a total of 35 winners' medals. The former winger was also voted the PFA Player of the Year for the 2008-09 season before being announced as the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in December 2009.

"Giggs, who met incoming manager Louis van Gaal in Holland last week, has now chosen to call time on his career, however, and become the last of United's famed Class of 92 to hang up his boots."

Phil McNulty
BBC Sport chief football writer

"Louis van Gaal won't wonder if he is big enough for Manchester United - he is more likely to ask is Manchester United big enough for Louis van Gaal."

Garry Griffin on Twitter:, external Louis van Gaal is for sure the right man for the job, appointing Ryan Giggs as the assistant manager is his first great decision.

Adam Hughes on Twitter:, external Couldn't have gone much better for Manchester United than Louis van Gaal and Ryan Giggs. Experience and club knowledge to put them back at the top.

Anthony Orrell on Twitter:, external Wonder what the odds are on Ryan Giggs being the next manager?

BBC Sport's Simon Stone on Twitter:, external Ryan Giggs as assistant manager is good move. He needs to learn within the club, not outside if he is going to get top job.

Image source, Getty Images

What have former Brazil forward Rivaldo, Dutch legends Johan Cruyff and Ronald Koeman and former Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness got in common? They've all been riled by Van Gaal.

Former Netherlands winger Boudewijn Zenden told BBC Radio 5 live that his compatriot is not a wallflower when it comes to confrontation. "I was at Barcelona and very close when the clash with Rivaldo happened," said the former Liverpool and Chelsea player.

"He was winning the Golden Ball as player of the year and was playing as a left winger. Rivaldo himself thought he was better off playing behind the strikers, so as soon as he won this massive trophy he just said to Van Gaal, 'I don't want to play on the left no more. I want to play behind the strikers'. Van Gaal said 'right that's your decision'. What followed was that he sat on the bench because the manager decided where he would play."

Read more about Manchester United's new manager on the BBC Sport website.

Jonesy:, external First Johnny Wilkinson, then Ryan Giggs, any more sporting legends finishing today I wonder?

John Davies:, external Giggs=LEGEND and that is a FACT!!!!!

Mo Farooq:, external The end of an era of arguably THE best player in English football history. Ryan Giggs.

• He is known as being straight-talking and clear on what he wants, very similar to Sir Alex Ferguson.

• A proven track record - he's got experience of winning titles and lots of silverware.

• His managerial CV includes four Dutch titles, two La Liga triumphs and one Bundesliga. The 62-year-old also has one Champions League success.

• He has a huge amount of management experience and a great connection with Manchester United's star striker Robin Van Persie, after managing him at international level.

Amar from West Mids on text: Ryan Giggs, you graced the premier league and Europe. You are an absolute legend. I thank you and salute you.

Having started 961 games for Manchester United and won 35 trophies, Ryan Giggs ends his gilded playing career having won a major prize every 28 matches. How good was he? Will we ever see the likes of him again? Let us know via #bbcsportsday,text 81111 (UK users only) or post on BBC Sport Facebook.

More from Ryan Giggs' open letter, external announcing his retirement as a player:

"For me, today is a new chapter filled with many emotions - immense pride, sadness, but most of all, excitement towards the future. United fans I hope will share and echo my belief that the club, the management and owners, are doing everything they can to return this great club to where it belongs, and I hope to be there every step of the way.

"To the greatest fans in world football, thank you, I have loved every minute of playing for you and representing the biggest and best club in the world."

Ryan Giggs pens an open letter, external announcing his retirement as a player:

"I would like to take this opportunity to announce my retirement from professional football and embark upon a new and exciting chapter in my life, as assistant manager of Manchester United.

"I am immensely proud, honoured and fortunate to have represented the biggest club in the world 963 times and Wales 64 times. My dream was always to play for Manchester United, and although it saddens me to know I won't be pulling on a United jersey again as a player, I have been lucky enough to have fulfilled that dream playing with some of the best players in the world, working under an incredible manager in Sir Alex Ferguson, and most of all, playing for the greatest fans in world football. I have always felt and appreciated your support."

Image source, Getty Images

Ryan Giggs retires as a player after making a record 963 appearances for Manchester United. Giggs, 40, who was named assistant manager to new boss Louis van Gaal earlier today, is United's most decorated player with 34 trophies to his name.