A judge has ruled that ex-Manchester United player Ryan Giggs be retrial, accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend.

The judge, during a short hearing on Wednesday at Manchester Crown Court, set a new date for the trial for July 31 next year.

The jury had failed to reach a verdict on any of the charges against him after more than 20 hours of deliberation in a four-week trial.

Giggs, 48, has denied the charge of bullying, compulsive and aggressive behavior towards his ex-girlfriend Kate Greville, 38.                                       

He also denied "losing control" and hitting her in the head and assaulting Grevel's 26-year-old sister, Emma, by elbowing her in the jaw during a fight at his home in Worsley, Manchester, on November 1, 2020.

In a statement issued after the sentencing, Giggs said he was "clearly disappointed by the decision to retrial."

Giggs, who was not asked to attend the hearing, added: "I insist on innocence of all charges, I am confident that justice will be served in the end, and my name will appear clear of all charges."

"I would like to thank the law team, my mother, my children, my friend Zara, as well as my close friends, for their support throughout this period," he said.

Jury exempted in trial of ex-Manchester United player

Ex-Manchester United star Giggs kicked out his girlfriend while she was naked

I understand the level of interest and research in the case, but I would like and ask that my privacy and that of my family be respected in the coming weeks and months," he added.

"We are seeking a retrial of Giggs," Attorney General Peter Wright told Judge Hilary Manley during Wednesday's hearing.

He added: "The matter is considered with great interest in court, as is the plaintiff's desire to present evidence, although this is not decisive in the case."

Judge Manley agreed to a retrial, notifying Giggs' lawyers in court of the decision to extend his bail until next year's trial.

This means Giggs is released on bail for more than two and a half years before his case goes to trial again, following a preliminary hearing scheduled for July.

Giggs resigned in June from his job as coach of the national team for Wales, after a period of leave since November 2020.

During Giggs' time at Old Trafford, Manchester United won 13 Premier League titles, two Champions League titles, four FA Cups, and three EFL Cups.

He also won 64 international matches with Wales, and is a co-owner of the club "Salford City", which plays in the second tier of the English Premier League.