BBC cameras will undoubtedly be watching Ryan Giggs during Saturday's FA Cup third round clash between Manchester City and Salford City.
of the former Manchester United winger will be in the running for Saturday's game, assisting Salford manager Karl Robinson as the League Two side attempt to pull off a stunning upset.
But why will Giggs be in the line-up and why is his presence so controversial?
Despite being a part-owner of fourth-tier Salford alongside his former 'Class of '92' colleagues, Giggs will act as one of the assistants to first-team manager Robinson on Saturday – a position which he has held it since October 2024.
Giggs first came on for a game against Crewe Alexandra in October following the departure of manager Simon Wiles. With Salford's other assistant, Alex Bruce, unavailable due to the tragic death of his nephew, Giggs reached out to help.
However, despite Bruce returning to his role since then, Giggs has remained on the sidelines. The 51-year-old has been in 17 games for Salford, with just two defeats coming in that time, and will be on familiar ground as he travels with the squad to. Man City in the third round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
“Karl was literally going to be left alone (against Crewe),” Giggs said Athletics. “So I told him: 'Yes, I will come to the bench with you.'
“It was just me and Karl, the physio, the goalkeeping coach and the sports scientist. I loved it. Karl loved it. And we were saving a bit of money by not bringing in another coach.
“It came by chance, coming into the competition… In a League Two team, saving every little bit of salary helps: we can maybe get a better gym bag, maybe we can get a player on loan. If you want to stay in the dugout, that's up to Karl, but at the moment I'm enjoying it”.
Giggs' presence in the Salford camp at the Etihad Stadium is highly controversial. The former Wales manager was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, in October 2020, with Giggs denying all allegations made against him.
He was accused of headbutting Greville, as well as controlling behavior, both physical and psychological, during their relationship. Giggs was also accused of assaulting Greville's sister Emma, which he also denied.
The jury at Giggs' first trial failed to reach an agreed verdict on the charges and he was formally acquitted in July 2023 after Greville decided not to give evidence again at the retrial. She said she felt “exhausted” by the process and could not face the prospect of testifying in court again.
Charity Women's Aid revealed their disappointment at Giggs' return to the line. “(It is) disheartening to see alleged perpetrators of abuse considered to be returning to high positions of influence and power,” it said in a statement.
“Football is a global sport passionately followed by millions of boys and young men, many of whom look up to players, managers and directors as role models. Football clubs and the sports industry have a responsibility to uphold respect, equality and safety. women and children”.