Manchester United has confirmed Ryan Giggs will leave the club after 29 years as a player and coach.

Giggs says his decision to depart is so that he can pursue a managerial career, although he admits he has "no immediate plans to step into management" yet.

"After 29 seasons at Manchester United as a player and assistant manager, I know winning is in the DNA of this club -- giving youth a chance, and playing attacking and exciting football," he said in a statement. "It's healthy to have high expectations, it's right to expect to win. Manchester United expects, deserves, nothing less.

"This is why it is a huge decision for me to step away from the club that has been my life since the age of 14. It has not been a decision that I have made lightly. I'll take away so many special memories as well as a lifetime of experiences that will, I hope, serve me well in the future.

"However, the time feels right and, although I have no immediate plans to step into management, it is where I want to be."

Giggs joined the United academy at the age of 14 and made his senior debut at the age of 17 in 1991. Giggs retired as a player in May of 2014, taking over as caretaker manager for David Moyes in April of that year.