Wes Brown may have embarrassed club team mate Ryan Giggs when naming him his favourite all time player.
Brown reckons the length of his career and achievements with one club put him above anyone else, with only Sir Bobby Charlton, whose appearances record Giggs broke in 2008, coming close.
“I know it is going to sound daft this but I would have to say Giggsy,” said Brown. “Of course, you have got the likes of Maradona and Pele who were world-class players, but for me it is Giggsy. His overall game and his achievements are just incredible. You get one-offs every now and again and he’s certainly one of them. To have performed consistently well at the top level for such a long time and stayed with one team is amazing. It is difficult to think of anyone else like Ryan; Sir Bobby is probably the only other player to compare with Giggsy.”
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Mine too Wes.
Mine three…
not bad for someone who is not in the famous “top 100 players ever, by Pele” ..
but we all know that Pele is a disgrace and I wouldnt put Pele anywhere near my “top 100″ list either.. fuck him
Nani
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jPbqFX6wpQ&feature=channel
sorry but i go for Scholes. very very close though. Both are great players and a dying breed.
Sorry Wes, got to disagree mate.
I mean, when you talk about this elite level of players, it’s often comparing apples and oranges, so there’s no malice toward Ryan when I say that I’d put Bestie, Cantona, Robbo and Scholesy (*my* favourite player of all time) ahead of him. We’re talking about splitting hairs here
!
It’s not always about ‘most appearances’ or ‘most trophies’
.
Wes also mentioned that the city game is now bigger than the scousers for him.
Its was also the first game I looked for when the fixtures came out. Its got real bite to it now they can put a half decent team out.
to me george best was the greatest footballer i’ve ever seen based on ability,giggs is 100% class act in everyway and the fact he’s still performing at the highest level is quite amazing that goes for scholes aswell
Totally agree with Wes here on Giggsy and Sir Bobby. Probably my favourite two players ever.
Good man, Wes.
Gregg, Charlton,Law,Best , Robson,Cantona, Giggs, Scholes, they’ve all been my favourite player at one time or another. To choose one above the others and acclaim them as ‘the best’ would be like favouring one child above another. Can’t be done. But I would have to say Wesley’s got a good point, and it’s worth listening to him as he’s observed Giggsy at close quarters in the first team for over a decade, and seen him as a ‘senior’ player even before that. If he says he’s the greatest, you gotta believe him. Nice that as a True Red he understands enough about the club’s history to recognise what Bobby Charlton achieved for United too. I tell you, when Sir Bobby passes – pray God not for many years – the upsurge of love and appreciation for the man will make some people feel a little guilty that they didn’t give him due recognition while he’s still alive. The great thing is how Giggsy has embodied the best qualities of what it means to be United, drawing on the legacy of Bobby and others, passing on the baton to the next generation, and the next….
I good choice by Brown. I don’t think he has been my player of the season once BUT hes probably been in the top three ever since he started in the first team. That has to count for something. I remember at the beginning he had a terrible cross, then his shooting went and he couldn’t hit a cow on the arse with a fekkin banjo. Some say hes overly one footed and that now hes too slow. He’s still Giggs and he’s remoulded himself as the years go on.
Im not sure if he’s my favourite of all time but hes certainly in the top three.
Giggs = Legend.
Me too..me too
it gives me shivers to think of how people will view players like giggsy and scholes 50 years from now. and i was lucky enough to see him play! i imagine this is how people from the charlton-best-law era feel.
I dont believe in comparison but what i know is giggs is a LEGEND.Both giggs and scholes are not only great players but they are also great human being.The youngsters should learn from them
george best for me he had magic in his feet
I seen best,law & charlton play.so they are my top three players, giggs comes in about 7th still a great player.
how lucky have we united fans been with our players?
Surprising that Pele did not recognize Giggs as like himself Giggsy not only being a one club man has won numerous honours with that club. Have not seen the list but I am sure it will favour South Americans. As for the quote earlier that Pele would not be in the top 100, come on don’t be ridiculous. The man was a phenomenal player scoring over 1300 goals!
giggs is the name used to scare young right backs into eating eatin their greens and doin their star jumps even now!
From the next George best to the sir Bobby charlatan of the present day and becoming Manchester united and footballs most honored man- brown could be on to something
Speculation coming from Italy is that Balotelli has agreed terms with United…
@joe_ro – I heard that myself, seems bizarre to me. The way I see it the only way we could fit another striker into the plans without stunting the development of Hernandez/Macheda (not to mention Diouf and Welbeck) would be if Owen or Berbatov were sold. Balotelli does look a good prospect but I wouldn’t take him over Berba and lil’ Mickey is here for a while yet!
i’ve utmost respect for sir bobby and giggsy and i love them both but my favorite player has to be scholsey..i mean how can you be so gifted and yet so down to earth and have absolutely no lust for media attention and popularity!!
you’re a champion scholsey and im gonna tell my kids that i saw Paul Scholes play and i know they’ll be jealous!!
Joe Coles a dipper
Yep, Cole is off to Liverpool.
I really can’t belileve that…. im so suprised he’s chosen liverpool when he could have lowered his ridiculous wage demands and come to United or Arsenal or Spurs and Champions League football and considerably better chance of winning some silverware!
His loss. Bit disappointed though if im honest
Decent player, would have suited us in my opinion
@Linvoy
Money was obviously more important for Joe. Any club that would have agreed to his demands, would have to be a desperate one. It doesnt get more desperate than Liverpool right now.
They’re paying him what we currently pay Rooney. He’s a good player and I would have liked to see him at United but he obviously has a high opinion of himself (not so high if he’ll sign for the dippers!) and I can see exactly why Fergie didn’t fancy it in the end.
Wes to me is the perfect role model, on the pitch he is calm assured, not always the best player but still quality, he always shows the referees respect, never loses his cool with opponents, played for us days after his dad died with no mention of it in the press (unlike fat frank) and just seems a genuine top guy all round!
@ Costas… bang on pal… your right…. im just suprised… as i thought there was more to the lad than that…. he would have suited us i think as well….
Oh well i wish him many injuries and no trophies as anyone who plays for that club is my enemy!
So Benayoun and Cole went in opposite directions. I am happy with the news. We don’t have to be linked with him any more.
@Lawman10
Agree mate we have been completelty blessed with the players who have graced the Old Trafford pitch. I grew up in an era when we were a one man team in Captain Marvel so for me I have always said Robson although my old man always says Law and Best. Post Robbo there was Cantona and he was a special talent as well. Modern day greats of Giggs and Scholes in a time when players like Mascherano dont even answer their phone to the new manager, Tevez last summer not speaking to SAF makes you realise how good we have it at OT.
@Linvoy
Plus he knows that at Liverpool he will play week in week out. He wouldn’t have that guarantee with us. He will make 10.000 a week less than Torres does. I wonder how the ladyboy feels about it.
on the balotelli issue i read were utd bid 25mill but city are coming back with a 35mill bid,if its true i’m relly surprised sir alex bidding that amount of money for him
if the balotelli goes through the fsw wants mascherano could be the reason liverpool gave into his wage demands and other players could be leaving don’t think gerrard or torres has comitted yet
That’s something we have in common then Wes.
I’ve always thought Ballotelli was a right prick. No doubting his ability, but still… never been a fan.
So glad we didn’t sign Cole. I never particularly liked but his two footed lunge on Ronaldo a couple of seasons back moved him into my hate league.
I have the same feeling about Ballotelli. Besides I agree with @BigPhil. Don’t need to be spending that sort of money for a stiker.
That reminds me of the german newspaper Bild, that today listed the top 10 of loyal players
1. Noel Bailie (24 years for Linfield FC, North Ireland)
2. Ryan Giggs (19 years)
3. Totti and G. Neville (17 years and 6 months)
5. Scholes (17 years)
It’s just great!
Buliwyf – that is awesome
McQueen @ 16:51: “I’ve always thought Ballotelli was a right prick.”
Really ? On what do you base that ? Some reports in the Italian press which is, to say the least, “uncomfortable” about a black player ? Or Lippi’s decision to not include him in their WC squad ?
Most players’ reputations are wholly constructed in the media – it’s better to gauge their level of athleticism and skill as opposed to their character. Sir Matt Busby was willing to put up with endless shenanigans from Georgie Best because he knew that “Maradona good, Pele better, Georgie best !”
IF SAF thinks that SuperMario Balotelli has the stuff to make it at OldTrafford then that’s good enough for me.
I’m hearing that United have agreed personal terms with Ballotelli. Is there any truth to this story?
I wouldn’t read much into the Ballotelli rumors. Unless we are planning to offload 3-4 of our strikers, lol.
are there links to the balotelli rumours?
@denton davey
The media did not force him to wear a rival shirt for an interview, nor did they ask him to walk around the pitch uninterested in a do or die match for his team. His reputation is built by himself, not the media. But one thing you said was correct though, if Sir Alex rates him, fair enough, but the fact is that there has been no news, except his agent whoring to the whole world and making it look like every club in the world wants him. How I see it is, he wants out of Inter, and his agent is trying to get the biggest deal, that is all.
Btw, I don’t rate him, we have Hernandez and Macheda, and for me, that is enough
@lucas united-latest.com are reporting utd coming to trems with him but the mail online are reporting city are going to make a 35mill bid for him
@ Wayne
Ahh I see. Thanks mate.
Do Bobby charlton chants make the rounds at OT at all?
Buliwyf
Noel bailie – a bit of a local legend to many in Northern Ireland
Roy Keane
The perfect example of a player
Leader Captain Inspiration
He embodied what Manchester United is all about. Even when he left and how he left he still embodied the fabric of the club. It’s all or nothing for the club – it’s 110% or walk away.
Ryan Giggs is a legend. Paul Scholes is a legend.
Roy Keane was a leader – he never coveted legendary status – and ultimately that was his downfall.
But for me he never stepped out of line – if he had never done what he did – then today’s United and players like Darren Fletcher would not have been the same without his mark of excellence.
The King was a legend too as is Gary Neville – maybe the only player that can resemble Roy Keane.
But Roy Keane – he was something else altogether. He will not be forgotten
Has the fact that Schmikes dipped himself in blue ketchup cause him to not be listed as fan’s greatest/favourite player anymore? I did feel some betrayal when he signed for them after declaring that he wanted to retire in the Danish league and leaving us. He could have played for us until 40 and then become a GK coach for us…
He was the reason that got me hooked to United, along with the smiley Kanchelskis.
I still adore the team of 92-93 and will always remember the first 11 of that time.
@yorYor
Not for me mate. Ok, he joined them and was celebrating when Anelka put them ahead in the last derby at Maine Road. But that’s how competitive Schmeichel always was. I just don’t feel he is one of our greatest players. He is our greatest goalkeeper though. In my opinion always.
Giggs is my inspiration . . . i wish he carries on for another year after this =( . . . Giggs can be a role model for our kids who are coming from the academy . . . Check this http://www.footballrealm.com/2010/07/giggs-we-can-win-with-kids/ . . .
@costas at 15:37
sell rooney,berba and owen and buy balotelli and heskey. . .and there you have it!
@buliwyf
I think #1 has to be Paolo Maldini who was at AC Milan for 25 years…but in all of europe, out of the top 20 most loyal players, united is the only team with more than one player, scholes, giggs and neville. All legends and role models.
@huzi
There you have it!
Responsible spending.
Roy Keane for me, best player i’ve ever seen live. Super Noel bailie lol. Balotellis agent has denied he’s agreed terms with anyone.
@willierednut:
Music to my ears, that.
mine is wes
EastStandManc – Not a fan of Balotelli then?
@costas
lol or maybe leave balotelli and get the great NGOG!
@MG you said 100% or walk away. Eric Cantona did something better – 110% for Manchester United or nothing at all.
But i think Giggs is something else. Because each player will have something very special to say about Giggs. Senior players from when Giggs just came in as a 14 years old, not even using Giggs as his surname, to the youngest we have in the team nowadays.
@willierednut
Not at that price, no!
We talk about ‘value in the market’ – anyone who thinks Balotelli is worth a cent over 10 million Euro is high on Amsterdam green!
Roy Keane – 110% or walk away
Eric Cantona – 110% or nothing at all
Sir Ryan Giggs – 110%. The best.
I’ll use Giggs11 as my nickname when he retires.
Keane over the king for me any way.
William Prunier over Keane for me.
Thats one thing Cantona messed up on, recommending that clown for United.
@ denton davey – no actually i’m basing it on what i’ve seen of him on the pitch. Throwing tantrums, synical revenge fouls and just generally acting like a complete twat. In the games i’ve seen him in, which isn’t that many, but it was enough.
If we sign him, however, I will welcome him with open arms and trust Fergie to mould him into a better man as well as a better player.
Still… Rooney, Berbatov. Owen, Hernandez, Welbeck, Macheda. Balotelli? I would take David Villa but I’m not feeling the need for another player that needs development to be honest.
Lol, seriously? Cantona recommended him? Wow, even Kings get it wrong from time to time.
Thats what i heard, he was well named, the pruin.
Forgot Diouf in that list too!
@Cantona7
I cannot disagree with that – the King just called time on football because it was United or nothing.
Legend then : )
In any case we have been blessed with incredible players – it will be a sad day when Giggs Scholes Neville finally finish – the joy that they have given Manchester United and us is beyond incredible.
It will be heartbreaking to say the least
Off topic but just received another email from United trying to flog charity shield tickets. In all the years we have never failed to sell out for a game like this? You can buy as many as 6 tickets per person as a non member for as little as £15 each.
Sign of things to come, i hope we sell out all home games etc for support for the the team but games like this and worthington cup games we should make the Glazers sweat and make them think again. I have always maintained my support and renewed again but I am made up to see fans not taking up the allocation. This is what we need.
apologies for typos above! Never proof read my posts!
Marq @ 15:50: “I don’t rate him, we have Hernandez and Macheda, and for me, that is enough”
I don’t disagree with the points you raised about his immaturity – and just plain silliness – but let’s not forget that this guy is just 19. I don’t live in a glass house so I’m surely not going to throw rocks at him.
From what I’ve seen – and, admittedly, it’s not a lot – SuperMario has a much higher up-side than KikoTheKid and he’s bigger, stronger, faster (?), and younger than Chicharito. So, I rate him very highly but I take your point that Hernandez and Macheda “is enough” since none of these guys would supplant WayneRooney, Nani, or Valencia.
Just wondering – would some sort of part-exchange for Balotelli (with Dimitar Berbatov going the other way) be in the cards ? There is absolutely NO FACTUAL BASIS for this guess but it does seem “logical” even if Inter have three pretty good strikers already.
McQueen @ 20:08: “If we sign him, however, I will welcome him with open arms and trust Fergie to mould him into a better man as well as a better player.”
I don’t disagree with that sentiment at all. As I wrote in my previous comment, Balotelli is just 19 and immature – maybe even impossibly immature, I don’t know about that, BUT I have been impressed with his ability if not his attitude. Can SAF turn his attitude around ? If he can’t then nobody can. For what it’s worth, I would only go for SuperMario IF there was some sort of part-exchange for Dimitar Berbatov, who is just not going to fit with the Rooney/Nani/Valencia attacking formation UNLESS he can be re-invented as a “playmaker” – but is he willing to do the hard graft in winning the ball back ? I doubt it – but I also doubt that there is any other way he can be a really valuable player at the NEWUTD which is built on speed and counter-attacking, like all of SAF’s best teams.
McQueen @ 20:15: “Forgot Diouf in that list too!”
THAT is a big oversight. I think that Mame Biram Diouf is a natural backup for WayneRooney – I like his aggressive and pro-active style of play. He might still be “raw” but he really does make things happen.
i know, Diouf is above Welbeck and Macheda in my opinion
Off-topic but I am really, really, really, really happy to see that Joe Cole has signed for the KopSuckers; he and the LadyBoy should spend a lot of time together in the recovery room.
Actually, I think that the RentBoyz did better by signing Benayoun in place of Cole – even if they had to pay five million in a transfer fee. When the KopSuckers did anything good, Yossi was usually in the middle of it. He’s one of the most under-rated players in the EPL over the last five years.
But, be that as it may be, Joe Cole was not a good fit for UTD – he’s tricky but he slows things down whereas UTD play best when they play at a very high tempo.
As if Inter would take Berbs, you’re just a tease denton davey.
Well said Wes.
Of Topic the Lads comments in here just make me laugh like crazy.
On a serious note I would go for Dennis Law in the past, he was Aberdonian signed from Huddersfield bye the magic man Sir Matt, Top goal scorer of all time for United, hung his head in shame well no holding of the shirt cuff with the didgit high in the air, when he sent United down. against the nobodys
Up to date I just love Nani, but I wont go into detail. lol
Willierednut @ 21:02: “As if Inter would take Berbs, you’re just a tease denton davey.”
Well, Willie, stranger things have happened. After all, who would have imagined that Chelsea would pay 15 million quid for Juan Sebastian Veron after he had “flopped” at UTD ? It’s all like they say, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and, of course, there’s nought so queer as folk. And Sr Moratti is one weird dude.
@Costas
But I feel that if Schmikes had chosen to stay on at United for just a few more years, I think he would also be regarded as a legend. When one looks at him, they see United.
Though yes, greatest ever goalkeeper (in the last 20 years) to have donned the United jersey.
Just disappointing he joined one of our hated rivals… I’d have been ok had he joined Villa or Fulham or Bolton etc.
@YorYor
Schmeichel is a legend in my book. He could single-handedly (sometimes literally!) ensure we won a match. Part of the reason he left was due to the higher demands of playing in a very top level week in and week out. When he returned. he did join villa before playing for city. But let’s not diminish his stature just because he joined a mid-level rival back then. Else, we may also need to remove the “Legend” tag from Denis Law.
Agree with you Wes apart from one thing, if you’re talking about world class players from all over the globe, who’ve been world class and played for only 1 club their whole career, it isn’t really that hard to think of others. Milan had both Maldini and Baresi, Arsenal had Adams (people may disagree but I thought Adams was awesome, would have loved him at United, as would Ferguson) Juve have Del Piero (who stuck with them even after they would demoted to Serie B) Real have Raul (who may move on but at the moment is still there), I’m sure I could think of more if I could be bothered (and have time, seeing as I’m meant to be processing insurance payments at the moment!) .
Note, none of this is meant to take anything away from Giggs, absolute legend, just pointing out he’s not alone in that “One club man” club.
Giggsy is the absolute defination of the word LEGEND. Giggs, scholes, Neville are the pillars of Man Utd. Hope they could continue forever but , BTW check out this link
http://www.thehardtackle.com/index.php/losing-my-religion/