RYAN Giggs is set to become a dad for the third time aged 50.

The Manchester United legend and girlfriend Zara Charles, 36, are expecting a baby later this year.

Ryan Giggs, 50, is expecting a baby later this year with girlfriend Zara Charles, 36

The Manchester United legend with kids Zach and Libby after a Premier League title win in 2011

Stacey, who divorced Giggs in 2017, is said to have given the couple her blessing

Giggs, who has two kids from a previous marriage, and mum-of-one Zara are said to be “delighted”.

Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival later this year.

Giggs is already dad to Sheffield United footballer son Zach, 17, plus daughter Libby, 19, from his marriage to Stacey Cooke.

Lingerie model Zara — his partner since 2021 — also has a daughter from a previous marriage.

The delighted couple have told close family, and their exes, about their happy news.

A source said: “Ryan was nervous about what his kids would think but they’ve got to know Zara over the last few years and really like her.

“They’re happy because they know he’s happy.

“But they’ve joked that he might strugglе with the early mornings and lack of sleep.

“Ryan and Zara are thrilled at the prоspect of becoming parents again.

“They have a very solid, loving relationship and are building a long-term future together.

“Their life is very simple, they go for walks, they go for coffees and love keeping fit.”

A separate source said Stacey — who divorced Giggs in 2017 after ten years of marriage — has also given her blessing.

‘Blended family’

She, Giggs and Zara spent Christmas together in December 2022 as a “blended family”, a source confirmed.

They added: “Stacey approves of Zara. Her and Ryan have been through a lot but they have moved on and she’s only interested in him being happy, because that makes him a good dad to their kids. There is no animosity.”

In November Giggs celebrated his 50th birthday with a trip to Dubai with Zara, who surprised him by having red rose petals scattered across their hotel bed.

She posted: “Yesterday was my best friend’s Big Birthday. Happy 50th, Ryan.

“So grateful we got to spend it in one of our happy places. I will love you forever.”

Zara and Ryan are said to be ‘delighted’ at the news, the pair pictured this month

Friends of the couple said they were excitedly planning for their baby’s arrival

The couple live in a £2.1million, seven-bedroom mansion which Giggs bought last year.

Giggs is co-owner of the League Two club along with his ex-United team-mates Gary and Phil Neville, Nicky Butt and Paul Scholes.

Flying winger Giggs joined the Red Devils as a 14-year-old and went on to win 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.

He made 963 appearances and managed the club for four games at the end of the 2014 season after David Moyes was sacked.

He then worked as an assistant to Louis van Gaal for two years before leaving when Jose Mourinho was appointed manager.

He won 64 Wales caps and was appointed national team boss in January 2018.

Current boss Rоb Page was appointed in his place in 2022.

Giggs and his girlfriend live in a £2.1million mansion which he bought last year