Sir Alex Ferguson has welcomed Ryan Giggs’ enrolment on a key coaching course and indicated he could have a future role to play at Manchester United.

Giggs is due to start studying for his UEFA ‘A’ licence under the control of the Football Association of Wales in Aberystwyth in June. At 34, Giggs is United’s most-decorated player and he marked his 100th Champions League appearance by helping the club to a 1-1 draw in Lyon in midweek.

He suffered a knock in that first leg match but is expected to recover in time for Saturday’s Barclays Premier League trip to Newcastle.

United boss Ferguson said: “Ryan is 34 now and with all players who have had long careers, they start thinking about what they are going to do when they finish.

“Players like Ryan, Gary Neville, Paul Scholes will follow the pattern of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, I am sure of that.

“It is something we will be looking at in terms of a future with us in relation to a position at the club in some shape or form because they have been fantastic examples.

“It they take their coaching badges, it is a further addition to their CV in what they can offer the game.

“There is no doubt when it comes to personality, experience and lifestyle, they are absolutely perfect for a club.”

Ferguson is convinced his side can close the five-point gap on Arsenal at the top of the table - but only if they stay at the top of their game.

He said: “We are in a position where we cannot afford any slip-ups now.

“We have to motor on and get a good consistency about us. We know some points will be dropped, and Arsenal and Chelsea are aware of that.

“The name of the game is not to drop as many as them. It is not easy but we have come from behind before.

“In 1993, we were well behind in November but eight points clear at the finishing line.

“What it tells you hopefully is that experience counts.

“Arsenal have an advantage of being five points clear, no question of that, but they also know they have some tough games coming up.”

Ferguson is looking forward to locking horns again with Kevin Keegan.

The Newcastle manager is still reminded today of that infamous rant at his United counterpart in March 1996 in his first spell in charge at St James’ Park.

That was when the wheels were coming of their title bid and he let rip on television about what he thought were underhand tactics.

Now Keegan has been charged with trying to revive Newcastle’s fortunes again - and Ferguson feels he has a difficult job.

“It is not easy getting players in January. That was really Kevin’s problem,” said the Old Trafford boss.

“He has not really had time to get those in he wanted. He’s had to rely on the players he’s got.

“I haven’t spoken to Kevin for ages. He was out of the game for three years of course. I am looking forward to seeing him.

“People go about mind games and get carried away with it. It is an over-played thing.”

Ferguson has a full-strength squad to choose from, apart from long-term injury victims Gary Neville and Mikael Silvestre.

The Scottish boss has an abiding affection for St James’ Park.

He said: “Newcastle is one of my favourite venues. I have always enjoyed going there.

“Without question, it is one of the football occasions of the season.

“Going to Newcastle at any time is always a passionate game because their fans are passionate.

“Although our record is decent there, we don’t take things for granted and expect a hard game. Kevin will be determined to try to get a result.”