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Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs denies rift with Louis van Gaal

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 05:  Manchester United Manager Louis van Gaal (R) chats to Assistant Ryan Giggs prior to the Barclays Premier League match
Image: Problem-free: Ryan Giggs says he has a strong working relationship with Louis van Gaal

Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs has played down talk of a rift with Louis van Gaal and hailed their "great working relationship".

Suggestions of a problem between the pair emerged when former midfielder Giggs appeared unmoved after Ashley Young's winning goal against Newcastle on Wednesday while Van Gaal shouted and gesticulated in celebration.

However, the 41-year-old dismissed talk of tension and praised United boss Van Gaal.

"It's coming to that part of the season where the media will look at any little thing to make it more exciting and more interesting," Giggs told BBC Sport.

"Me and Louis have a great working relationship.

"He's given me a massive opportunity and I'm taking it. I'm working as hard as I can and I'm enjoying every minute of it."

Van Gaal also refuted claims there was any tension between the two.

"I am very irritated at this question because everyone can see we have a very good relationship," he said.

“We work very hard together. Not only with Ryan but with all the staff and the players. It is a way of suggesting things. I am very irritated. I take my measures against the media. I am not pleased."

United face Arsenal in their FA Cup quarter-final at Old Trafford on Monday in a game Van Gaal described as being of such importance it was "nearly a final".

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