Whilst it had been widely anticipated Phil Neville would return to Old Trafford to begin his coaching career this season under the man he has worked so closely with at Everton since 2005, confirmation Giggs will be combining his responsibilities as a player with a position on Moyes' backroom team was a surprise.
Having signed a new contract in March, the 39-year-old seemed completely focused on adding even more silverware to a collection already unsurpassed in the modern game.
However, with Mike Phelan, Rene Meulensteen and Eric Steele, who has agreed to a short stint at Shrewsbury, all leaving in the wake of Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement, Moyes has moved to silence any doubts over the inside knowledge about United's inner workings within his coaching team.
"Ryan's success and ability to adapt his game over a number of years gives him an unrivalled perspective on the modern game," said Moyes. "His career is an example to anyone. I am sure that both he and the players will benefit from his new role."
The practicalities of Giggs' role have not been outlined, although evidently the veteran Welshman, owner of 13 Premier League winners' medals and the only man to have scored in all 21 seasons of the competition's history, will be expected to make a significant contribution on the field.
However, with Neville also coming on board, in addition to Nicky Butt, who has remained on the coaching staff after being hired by Ferguson last season, there are now three key members of that famed 'Class of 92' within the Red Devils fold.
"It is a great privilege to be appointed a player-coach," said Giggs. "I hope I will be able to bring my experience to bear, having been both a player and part of the Manchester United family for so long.
"It's no secret that I have been taking my qualifications and I see this as the first step in my future career.
"I'm really looking forward to working alongside David and the team."
Source: PA
Source: PA