Bryan Robson has claimed Ryan Giggs can become Manchester United's Pep Guardiola - and end the nightmare trophy drought at the Theatre of Dreams.

Giggs retired from playing at United in 2014 and was installed as Louis Van Gaal's assistant manager soon after the Dutchman took up the top job at Old Trafford.

After a 2015-16 campaign that has been largely underwhelming, Van Gaal's position is in significant danger.

And there have been calls to replace the former Ajax and Barcelona boss with Jose Mourinho.

However, Old Trafford legend Robson believes Giggs could emulate Guardiola - who had enormous success at Barcelona as a manager having been a Camp Nou stalwart as a player -and should be chosen to succeed Van Gaal.

The former ManU skipper said: “Ryan really can be the Pep Guardiola of United, I am sure of it,” said Robson.

“Yes, he’s a quiet lad but that should make no difference.

“He has always been a deep thinker on the game. He’s worked hard to get to this point.

“They talk about Guardiola being intelligent and having a great football brain. Ryan is no different.”

Robson, a United ambassador, insists there is no reason to deviate from the plan of promoting Giggs, who he believes is ready for the step up.

"It was always said that during Van Gaal’s time as manager Ryan would learn under him, get his pro-licence and be ready for the job," he added.

“He represents Manchester United’s soul. He has been at the club since he was 13 and knows what is expected. There is no stand-out person who could do the job any better than Ryan."

Meanwhile, Michael Carrick has stressed United are "not giving anything up" despite the disappointment of Sunday's 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

United had looked set to chalk up a third straight win in all competitions before Diego Costa's late equaliser salvaged a point for the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

That result left the Red Devils six points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and 12 behind leaders Leicester in the Barclays Premier League, and they are out of the Champions League.

They are in Europa League and FA Cup action this month alongside the continued top-flight battle, though.

And United midfielder Carrick said: "There is plenty to play for this month and of course plenty of points to play for in the league.

"We're not giving anything up just yet.

"Sunday was a big day for us in terms of the league situation. If we'd have gone there and got a win we'd have been in good shape, but it wasn't to be and it makes things harder for us.

"It's hard to take, losing two points so late on. I know we were under pressure for the last 10 or 15 minutes but to lose a goal like that is disappointing and that's the overall feeling.

"I thought we played well and produced some really good football. We looked dangerous going forward and defended well for most of the game. We just didn't do the right things at the right time near the end and see the game out.

"We have to battle on though, keep going and play something like we have been doing over the last few weeks and then see where that takes us."

Two players who have particularly shone in United's recent improvement are forwards Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney.

Martial, 20, is in his first season with the club and the France international has no doubt he is benefiting from working alongside Rooney, the 30-year-old captain who has been at United since 2004.

"It's always nice, it allows me to keep improving and also to feel more relaxed when playing alongside him," Martial told MUTV and Inside United.

"When you see someone like Rooney, you feel that bit more confident."