When Ryan Giggs scored Manchester United’s last penalty in Moscow, moments before Nicolas Anelka’s penalty was saved by Edwin Van der Sar, there was speculation over whether that would be last game for the club. He had broken Sir Bobby Charlton’s all time appearance record when coming off the bench to replace Paul Scholes.
What a dream career he would have had, winning more titles than any other player in England and winning the Champions League with the last kick of the ball. If life was a film, that might have been the way his career ended. As it is, he has carried on playing for another four seasons, winning another two titles and playing in another two European Cup finals.
Tonight, Giggs is set to make his 900th appearance for the club and Sir Alex Ferguson has sung his praises.
“It’s amazing,” admitted Sir Alex. “When we went to Moscow he beat Bobby Charlton’s record. It’s phenomenal and he keeps defying his age. His performance level now is as it was then. Nothing’s changed. I think Ryan’s maturity and the fact we’ve changed his position has given a new aspect to his game. We remember him running up and down the touchline, running at full-backs. From my point of view, and not everyone will agree with me, is that being in the Premier League for as long as he has and achieved what he has, I don’t think anybody else will ever do it.”
Giggs has been compared to Paolo Maldini who made 902 appearances for AC Milan over 25 years. Ferguson thinks that Giggs’ achievement is greater though, given he has spent the majority of his career on the wing.
“Maldini was a defender,” Ferguson said. “And, although in his case, he did a lot of running as a full-back, wide players have more work to do than full-backs. That’s the distinction between the two, although Maldini was obviously a magnificent player.”
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Only one Giggs. He could be a worthy manager after SAF to carry on the legacy.
I agree with the boss…. No one will ever match what Giggs has and is achieving both in terms of trophies one and appearances… LEGEND
And I also believe that Maldini who was mentioned is also a LEGEND
*won not one*
We will rarely see the likes of Giggs or like Maldini – one man club careers – just because the game is about agents preying on the callow youth for instant success and reward instead of hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence.
It struck me that we won’t see the likes of SAF either. I was watching this amazing doc with Hugh McIlvanney on the shared Scots working class backgrounds of Shankly, Bsuby and Stein and of course Ferguson. Those days are over.
But what someone like Ferguson can pass on are the values that made these men such iconic managers with a will to win and a love for the beautiful game above all else.
I believe Giggs – like Scholes and Ole to name a few others – is an epitome of this ethic.
It’s the values that are handed down from generation to generation that will determine how successfully a club moves forward.
Ole as manager and Giggsy as No.2. Scholesy can be the team coach.
The management Dream Team.
TheLeftBank
Well said…. Especially the part about ethics in the modern game. That is why personally I only want to see Ole take over when the great man calls it quits, even it that means we go through a transition of winning nothing for a few years. Ole is all about ethics and furthermore he loves the club….
I would seriously hate it if one of the modern day money grabbing whores took over.
Good morning Cedars,
Well said both you and The LeftBank.
Ole needs to win back to back titles to be seriously considered though.
He will!
Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs,
Running down the wing,
Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs
Running down the wing,
Feared by the Blues,
Loved by the Reds,
Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs, Ryan Giggs…
Ryan Giggs – Tearing you apart since 1991.
One Legend – Ryan Giggs
900 and counting, Sir Ryan Giggs, only player to have scored in all Premier League seasons
It’s in my blood
Good morning my friend…..
Ole will make it, he is only 38, when Fergie joined us he was 45….. in 3 or 4 years time Ole will be ready
Both are giants of the game. Both dinosaurs, fast becoming extinct.
Imagine Maldini and Giggs playing on the left together, both in their pomp. Fuck me sideways, would have been quite the sight.
The only issue with ole coming in as gaffer would be the transition period. I don’t know if ole will be ready when Sir Alex retires in a few years.
United always have backed their managers and given them time so whoever that comes in after Sir Alex might stay for a long time if successful.
I hope that ole does one day sit in that dugout at Old Trafford. He looks llike a great prospect, and the romance of our club deserves nothing less. After all he did score the most eloquent goal you’d ever see, on that fateful night at the nou camp.
Sir Alex has always stated that he attempted to sign Maldini, yet the gorgeous Italian never wanted to leave his boyhood club…..LEGEND
Ryan Giggs.. the only one i’d let have an affair with my missus. In fact, he’s welcome to her!
Absolute legend. No one in the modern game will ever re-create that success or longevity. True advert for the game. Fantastic disciplinary record too. I’m just grateful that i’ve had the opportunity to watch the lads career develop and unfold in the fashion that it has.
Arise Sir Ryan!
how can anyone match a man who does all this?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MC5YOEFbInY&feature=BFa&list=LLIUe4qbwyGIMJAnaPwMEAbw&lf=mh_lolz
ScholesFor Goals
Er… i’ve met him a few times, i’ve got curly hair, do i qualify?! Haha
Giggs12Gerrard0
England squad announced!
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/blog/2012/feb/23/england-squad-announcement-live?CMP=twt_gu
jones,smalling,clev,danny,young,rooney all in! frazier campbell too! absolutely incensed that carrick aint there. rio left out too.
Giggs’s Left Boot
Great video mate, thanks
Arjunited
That’s passionate but talentless Pearce for you!
Clueless as ever.
United>Ingurland.
Giggs12Gerrard0
What you trying to say? Haha
@Arjunited
Carrick? Who needs him. Terrible pass completion ratio this season – only averaging around 90%.
Much rather have Steward Downing.
Ingerland team should be:
Amos
Jones
Smalling
Ferdinand
Fryers
Young
Carrick
Scholes
Cleverly
Welbeck
Rooney
Sorted.
Giggsy = legend
Hope we will get to celebrate his landmark tonight.
@arj
mate, im actually happy carrick isn’t in the squad. im sure he’ll be disappointed, but the less internationals he plays, the better off we are.
i suppose im just being selfish
Carrick for England? Do not be silly he is shit… Besides they have world class tallent in Barry and Milner who both play for a much bigger club
It’s good to see loads of united players included in the England squad, but some options were just stupid!
And seriously, why isn’t Darrick in there? He’s been incredible this season
I bloody love Darrick. Him and Pouda are my favourites.
Pouda! Pouda!
Don’t leave out Danderson!
Random thought for the day?(been a while) It’s a teaser! Ryan Giggs, or George Best? In terms of talent and contribution to United. Gotta love teasers! Not the Chocolate kind, either.
WRN
Hi mate, horrible question!
Wouldn’t want to deny either their legendary status by saying ones better than the other!
WRN
But i do wonder who the NEXT Best / Giggs will be?
Have they been born yet, are they already playing for us as kids?
Whats happened to that Aussie kid who we signed off a dvd?
It’s in my blood – That’s a cop out lol. Come on! My old tells me every time, there will never be another George Best. Broke the mould, with Bestie!
WRN
Well mate, overall, i’d have to agree with your old!
Bestie mesmerised all who saw him.
It’s in my blood – In which case, she’s all yours. She’s a good maid, dinner is ready the moment you get through the door, house is always spotless, spoils you like rotten on birthdays and renews your season ticket every year making sure to sit you next to your mates in the SAF stand. Downside, no back door action. If you can live with that, she’s a keeper!
I’m sorry but how do people like Downing and Barry take precedent over people like Carrick?!? Mentalists. With so much Untied talent in the make-up, i just pray no one gets injured over the summer months, potentially scuppering the start of the 2012-13 season. Anyway, fuck Ingerland.. United United United. THAT’S all i care about.
ScholesForGoals
Haha, that’s class mate!
In fairness, she seems pretty mint mate.
Apart from the back door bit!
Tch, women today.
ScholesForGoals
Btw, if you mention to her that i can lick my eyebrows, she may reconsider the other bit!
Haha, bless her!
Hahaha! That’ll be music to her ears! She’ll be bang up for that, provided she renews my ticket every year we have an accord lol. Woman today indeed!
England team
Casillas
Ramos Pique Vidic Lahm
Nani Xavi Iniesta Ronaldo
Hernandez Messi
Willie – Giggsy mate for all round contribution to United but like you my old man loved Best. When a player for us fucks about my old man always says “Best would have beat about four men and buried it with his eyes shut”. He loved Bestie.
My Left Boot, by Ryan Giggs.