LONDON • Ryan Giggs fears that his 29-year association with Manchester United may be coming to an end because of a lack of communication from Jose Mourinho about the Welshman's potential role at Old Trafford next season.

Despite being appointed United manager last week, The Times understands that Mourinho has yet to get in touch with Giggs to discuss his plans for the Welshman - which has raised fears that the club legend could quit.

Giggs, 42, was assistant manager to Louis van Gaal for the past two years and he wants to continue in that role under Mourinho.

United's record appearance-maker, who was also a player-coach under David Moyes, feels he can learn from Mourinho's experience. But the Portuguese is understood to prefer employing his long-time assistant, Rui Faria, as his right-hand man instead.

United officials have offered Giggs a lesser role, which he is reluctant to accept.

According to the Manchester Evening News, Giggs was asked to work with the academy, which is headed by his former team-mate, Nicky Butt.

He feels he has the experience and know-how to fulfil the role of Mourinho's assistant, but he now faces being edged out of a club where he has spent his entire playing and coaching career.

His departure would be a huge blow for the club and their fans, who idolise the academy graduate from Salford who is synonymous with United's success under legendary former manager Alex Ferguson. The former winger, who played 963 times for the club, has extended his holiday in Dubai until the weekend, thus delaying any potential face-to-face talks with the new United manager.

Giggs is understood to be annoyed about how the club have treated him and has reminded them that he has one year left on his contract, which states that his role is as an assistant manager.

Should the Welshman leave United, he could take up a role as a No. 1. He has been linked with the Everton job with the club yet to name a replacement for Roberto Martinez.

Meanwhile, Mourinho has outlined several transfer targets in meetings with United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward. He has made signing a striker his priority.

It is understood that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the Borussia Dortmund forward, has attracted interest from United and their neighbours Manchester City.

THE TIMES, LONDON