Sir Alex Ferguson would act as an advisor for Ryan Giggs were he to take over from Louis van Gaal as manager of Manchester United, a respected journalist has claimed.
Van Gaal's tenure at Old Trafford continues to be the subject of speculation, with the club now winless in eight games and down to sixth in the Premier League.
The Dutchman has insisted that he will not step down from his post amid rumours that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho and assistant manager Ryan Giggs are among those in the frame to take over in the coming weeks.
With just two years of managerial involvement to his name, the appointment of Giggs would be a riskier move but journalist Paul Smith has claimed that he would receive assistance from a club legend.
He wrote on Twitter: "From what I understand Fergie has offered to step in and help Giggs."
Smith added that United owners the Glazers "would consider" appointing Mourinho but "there are key individuals opposed" to the move.
Giggs previously took full charge of United on an interim basis following the sacking of David Moyes in April 2014, winning two games, drawing one and losing one.