Sir Ryan Giggs

When was his last good performance though? He's popped up with the odd assist or goal but I can't remember the last time his play wasn't detrimental to our over all performance.

I'm not a fan of this sentiment. Hail him as a legend, he's cemented his position as greatest ever United player and hes been my idol for nearly 20 years but it ends there for me.

I'd rather any of our wingers on the left and every one of our centre mids in the middle.
 
He had loads of good games last season. He's still among our most creative players for me, if not the most creative (at least when Nani's not on form, which is often).

That said, I prefer him in a midfield three. And I wouldn't start him and Scholes together - I've thought that for a good few years but Fergie thinks otherwise.
 
Plechazunga said:
He had loads of good games last season. He's still among our most creative players for me, if not the most creative (at least when Nani's not on form, which is often).

That said, I prefer him in a midfield three. And I wouldn't start him and Scholes together - I've thought that for a good few years but Fergie thinks otherwise.
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That's it in a nutshell. I was hoping Kagawa and Cleverley would allow us to move away from Giggs in midfield and so far that has proved the case. I think SAF just wanted his experience today and he couldn't play Scholes from the start. I really thought SAF had kept Cleverley fresh for today but I wrong.
 
Plechazunga said:
He had loads of good games last season. He's still among our most creative players for me, if not the most creative (at least when Nani's not on form, which is often).

That said, I prefer him in a midfield three. And I wouldn't start him and Scholes together - I've thought that for a good few years but Fergie thinks otherwise.
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I'd say the best option for us to use Giggs, provided we also want to play Kagawa, is to play him as a left sided midfielder, tucking into central areas to link up.

Even then, I prefer not to see him and Scholes together in the same side. So if Giggs is going to play, and let's face it he still provides that creative spark, I'd line up along these lines:

Valencia-Carrick-Clev/Ando-Giggs
Kagawa
RvP
 
cw1984 said:
Awful. Absolutely awful. Only Nani was worse and not by much.

It made absolutely zero sense to start him today. Zero.

Zero.
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Don't like to question Fergie but I really can't work out the logic for Giggs starting in CM today - can anyone come up with a plausible reason?
 
I thought he was ok when we were going forward. But he isn't great when we don't have the ball anymore. I don't like seeing him starting in CM as we tend to get over run when he does. If we have to play him centrally, push him more forward where kagawa played today and have two solid midfielder behind him.
 
Great player...LEGEND and all that. But I Really hope this is his LAST year.

I know i'll get slated for saying it but for all the attacking instincts he has, defensively we're just left wide open when he's on the field. The facts made worse if we have Scholes there too. Not to mention Carrick who while being a vastly better defender isn't really a holding midfielder either.
 
SAF always refers to experience in big games such as yesterday, but I think he overdoes it.

There was no reason for Giggs to play centre midfield.

And the "inexperienced" players need to be exposed to big games, albeit away from home.
 
We had Ferdinand, Carrick, Evra and van Persie on the field. Also, players like Nani, Valencia, and even the likes of Rafael and Evans has been involved in dozens of matches of this magnitude.

The inclusion of Giggs was bizarre. It would have made more sense to rest Scholes vs Galatasaray, play Giggs there instead, and have Scholes from the start today.

But as I say, SAF not trusting Cleverley or Anderson is a strange sign in deed. Why couldn't Cleverley perform in a match like this? And how will we ever find out if SAF prefers to play "experience" in the shape of a couple of already retired or soon-to-be-retired veterans?

And this is not a dig at Giggs. I've made my views clear on him earlier. He's still a player who'll produce things, even at this age. But yesterday was the wrong occasion for him.
 
Actually the daftest of all of this wasn't the fact that he played Giggs in the midfield at Anfield, it was the fact that before this match, barring a 10 minute spell against Fulham, Giggs hasn't even played at midfield for us this season.
 
I think what he's saying, Plech, is that Giggs doesn't really run at players the way he did a season or so ago. Admittedly, it's a spastic point as Giggs has played one match this season in CM, against Liverpool away, in a match we were on the backfoot.

But honestly: The way things have panned out prior to the Liverpool-match, would you have played Giggs yesterday, in that role?
 
Plechazunga said:
Did you have a nice sleep? Phones turned into little computers, and America has a black President.
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oh come one Plech, i am saying isnt it obvious that he can't run at players anymore and yet he still tries to do it and got sucked out of position at times.
 
Thought he was ghastly when playing as a CM, but he was so much better when playing on the wing. Sure, he's not as lightning as he once was, but he's probably still faster than Kelly, and his passing and timing is much better on the wing where giving the ball away once or twice isn't as fatal as giving it away in the centre.

The fact that he substituted Nani and put Giggs on the wing tells us how awful Nani was in that match!
 
I just don't get the running at players thing. He reinvented himself as a CM about five years ago, and what's so impressive about it is that he doesn't play like a winger. He will 'attack the space' when there's an opportunity, of course, but that's true of most CMs.

Not that he wasn't shite yesterday. And no, marjen, personally I wouldn't play him in a 2 against anyone half-decent, because his defensive game isn't strong enough. He doesn't fly in like Scholesy, but him and Carrick alone doesn't make for a solid midfield. I like him best as you said earlier, as a tucked-in third CM/winger on the left.

I just think failure to reinvent his game is a very odd criticism to throw at Giggs.
 
You can't really put a 39 year old in a midfield two away at Anfield and expect him to do anything particularly useful. It doesn't matter if it's Ryan Giggs or whether he's reinvented himself or not.

The things he can do well will be rendered irrelevant because he'll spend the whole game chasing the opposition around, or, more likely, realising he can't chase the opposition around and just occupying a space on the edge of his own box instead.
 
I agree with those who say he can be a good addition in offense, preferable as a sub. In a two man midfield he is a huge liability however. This little analysis of yesterday's match (in Norwegian, try Google translate) points out how his total lack of defensive positioning got us into a lot of trouble, even after he was moved to the left. Liverpool lead by Agger ran or passed through our central midfield, and Carrick was left against 2-3 scousers over and over again.

Personally I can't remember Giggs doing anything else than the early go at goal and a missed pass to RvP during a potential counter attack against Liverpool.
 
I don't understand why he got picked ahead of Cleverley and Anderson. I thought these two were the reason we haven't signed a central midfielder since, well, one of them. But in the last few weeks it's been either Scholes or Giggs next to Carrick in midfield which doesn't make sense to me. For me, one of Cleverley and Anderson should generally start to provide legs and energy. Anderson hasn't played since the second game of the season against Fulham and Cleverley since Southampton (i think). I really don't know why.
 
amolbhatia100 said:
I don't understand why he got picked ahead of Cleverley and Anderson. I thought these two were the reason we haven't signed a central midfielder since, well, one of them. But in the last few weeks it's been either Scholes or Giggs next to Carrick in midfield which doesn't make sense to me. For me, one of Cleverley and Anderson should generally start to provide legs and energy. Anderson hasn't played since the second game of the season against Fulham and Cleverley since Southampton (i think). I really don't know why.
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Didn't Anderson struggle with a slight knee injury? With all the injuries, Ferguson might have decided not to risk anything.

Why Cleverley isn't playing is more baffling, but hopefully they both start against Newcastle today and show their worth. They are a very dynamic combo, both have quick feet and great at one and two touch play.
 
Rossa said:
Didn't Anderson struggle with a slight knee injury? With all the injuries, Ferguson might have decided not to risk anything.

Why Cleverley isn't playing is more baffling, but hopefully they both start against Newcastle today and show their worth. They are a very dynamic combo, both have quick feet and great at one and two touch play.
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I wasn't aware of any injury to Anderson. That would explain his absence from all but one game so far, which ironically was the one performance where we clicked (for a half).
 
amolbhatia100 said:
I wasn't aware of any injury to Anderson. That would explain his absence from all but one game so far, which ironically was the one performance where we clicked (for a half).
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Indeed. When Anderson is on, his game is a joy to watch. He's very quick, great technique, strong, a good passer of the ball and can be quite creative. Most important is his ability to go past midfielders and defenders to open up space, imo. Giggs can do this at times too, but more as an AM than a CM.
 
amolbhatia100 said:
I wasn't aware of any injury to Anderson. That would explain his absence from all but one game so far, which ironically was the one performance where we clicked (for a half).
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Yeah I think he picked up an injury after the Fulham game and has only just recovered (hence him being on the bench). I dunno if thats ever been confirmed though. But he's not been involved in the squad for a month.

Cleverely I imagine was being rested after the 2 England Internationals. He's played alot of football already August/September when you consider he's played at the Olympics and 2 England Internationals and with his track record of injuries I imagine they're being a bit cautious.

Expect both Ando and Clev to start v Spurs though.

As this is the Giggs thread, I'll just lob an ontopic point... feck me is this guy a medical phenomenon.
 
Interview with Henry Winter:

Manchester United great Ryan Giggs says managing will be the next best thing when he hangs up his boots
No player understands the DNA of Manchester United quite like Ryan Giggs. He has been wearing that famous red shirt for 21 years. He has seen all the changes, the expansion of Old Trafford, the move from the intimate Cliff to gleaming Carrington and the commercial phenomenon that Manchester United have become, yet believes the dressing room remains the heart and soul of the place.

“We regard it as the biggest and best club in the world but it is still a family club,’’ Giggs said.

United’s No 11 was sitting in a corporate box at Old Trafford on Thursday afternoon, contemplating the latest stage in United’s development.

He was looking at details of how United are enhancing their facilities with a new complex at Carrington, in a £10 million partnership with Toshiba Medical Systems, bringing scanners for early diagnosis of everything from soft-tissue injuries to cardiac conditions.

“I saw Steven Gerrard saying about St George’s Park that there are no excuses now for England,’’ reflected Giggs. “That’s been the case at Manchester United for a long time. It’s changed massively. When I was at the Cliff, we had one ultrasound machine!

"The move to Carrington got things developing quite quickly with the sports science coming into the equation. Even with that, I don’t think we would have foreseen having an MRI scanner within the training facility.”

United still endure injury problems, hence the investment, yet Giggs is the picture of health at 38, hoping to feature against Stoke City on Saturday, still hungry after all these years. “People say, ‘How are you still playing?’ It’s not one thing. I tap into everything.” Sports science, yoga, eating sensibly.

Giggs still knows the sands of time slip quickly through his fingers.

Was this his last season? “It could be, yes. I’m a similar mindset that I’ve been for the past couple of years: evaluate after Christmas, see how I feel, see what the manager thinks.

"If I’m not enjoying it, if I’m not contributing like I have done in the last couple of years then I’ll finish. I’m 39 in November. I’m not worried by it [retirement]. It’s been coming for a couple of years. But I’m still enjoying it. I still feel I’m contributing to the team.

"I speak to so many players who I played with, Brucey, Robbo, Denis Irwin, and they always say to me, ‘Play as long as you can’. I imagine there’s no substitute for the feeling you get playing, the adrenalin.’’

He reflected on the many years, the many opponents. “The most difficult was Javier Zanetti. We played Inter Milan here when we won the Treble, and he was right-back. He had everything: power, experience, intelligence. The stadiums I’ll miss are those where you wait in the tunnel, and you can’t wait to get out there, knowing you’re in for a test. Take your pick: San Siro, Bernabeu, Nou Camp, Anfield.

"Anfield is the ultimate test for a United player because of the atmosphere. It’s not intimidating. No. It’s the ferocity of the rivalry. It’s a true test. It’s an old-school stadium. It’s those games when you know you have to be at your best.

“When I do finish playing, I’ll try to find the next best thing. Management does interest me. The nearer I get to finishing, the more I think about it. All I can do is prepare myself as best I can for when I do finish. I’ve been doing my coaching courses with Nev [Gary Neville] – levels one two, A-Licence. We’re starting the Pro-Licence next year.”

What would a Ryan Giggs team be like? “I’d like a few wingers in there!” he laughed. Like Sir Alex Ferguson. Giggs has listened constantly to the United manager, storing up ideas for the future.

“I’ve learnt from the master here,’’ said Giggs, admiring how the Scot sets the tone for the “family club”. “It all comes from the manager. You see him joking with all the staff in canteen. He knows every schoolboy’s name who comes in during the holidays, every apprentice’s name. It still fascinates me how he still does that.’’

There is a feeling of continuity, longevity, solidity. “There is still that nucleus of coaching staff. Mick Phelan was an ex-player. Rene Meulensteen has been here a long time. The medical department have been there a long time.

"Players like me, Scholesy, Nev, even Rio and Wayne, have all been here a long time. It’s keeping that nucleus really, recognising the DNA of Manchester United. We regard it as the biggest and best club in the world but it is still a family club.

“The fans here want to see young players coming through which is massive in the history of Manchester United. It gets harder and harder each year because the bar gets raised. There’s a bit of pressure of having the time to see players through and not just buying the best.”

There is a balance. Ferguson blends recruits such as Robin van Persie with the home-grown Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley. “When you start off scoring that always helps you bed in,’’ said Giggs of Van Persie.

“When you score a hat-trick in your second start [against Southampton] it’s a dream start. Robin has carried on scoring [seven in nine]. His performances have been good.’’

The arrival of a superstar is rare at United. “It doesn’t happen very often. The manager likes to buy young players and groom them. When you buy a ready-made world-class player we are good at acknowledging the qualities they’ve got and welcoming them to the club.

"Robin’s come into an environment that’s good to work in, to train in. We’ve always had a good team spirit, always worked hard in training. Robin has bought in to that.’’

Welbeck, meanwhile, continues to mature. “Because Daniel is so big and had growing spurts throughout 18, 19, and with that comes a few injuries, he never really got a run in the team,’’ Giggs added.

“Now over the past 18 months he’s had a run in the team. He’s a man now, strength-wise, power-wise. He’s always had the talent. Now he’s got the physique, the experience of playing with the likes of Wayne and Dimitar Berbatov, learning from them and other players, he’s got stronger and stronger.

“Tom has had to wait his turn because of the quality we’ve had in the team. Some players like Wayne burst on to the scene at 16. Others develop a bit later. Becks developed a little bit later than Butty, Scholesy and Nev. You’re probably getting that with Tom. He’s had a couple of years getting loaned out. He’s got rid of all the injury niggles. Now you’re seeing his full potential.

“I had first-hand experience at the Olympics, not only in the games but in training, of his enthusiasm. He’s the sort of lad who wants to get better, wants to learn and wants to become a top player. When you have that attitude and with the talent he’s got, I’m pleased how well he’s doing for United and England.”

As for Rooney, Giggs agreed with England manager Roy Hodgson that the striker can deal with the pressure of being captain when Gerrard steps down.

“Wayne can handle that no problem. There has been pressure on his shoulders since he was 16 and he’s handled it really well. Even though he’s still young, only 26, he’s been 10 years as a top-flight footballer. He’s got the experience, he’s got the head on his shoulders and, of course, he’s got the talent.”

Was Ferdinand still good enough to play for England? “Yes. He’s playing for United. That says it all. Rio’s pedigree is brilliant. His not playing for England is good for United, because he’s getting the rest during the international breaks that I've experienced over the last four or five years. I know the benefits it can give you. It’s great for United.”

United will need such experience in the fight to regain the Premier League title.

“At the top it is as strong as I’ve known it. City with the money they’ve had, the players they’ve brought in. Chelsea are Champions League winners. Arsenal are a great club, who are always going to be there. Ourselves. Liverpool are always going to be there because of their history. The likes of Tottenham.’’

He looked out of the window, recalling Gareth Bale’s display for Spurs recently. “Gareth’s a talent, at the top of his game. He can do anything. He’s a very difficult player to pin down because of his power and strength.

"The other night, I saw a couple of the Croatia lads trying to take him out but because of his power and pace they couldn’t get near him. It’s great for Wales. But when you play against Spurs, it’s always difficult to play against him which we’ve seen here.

“You’ve got other clubs doing so well, playing really good football like Swansea over the last couple of years. West Brom have started well this year. Credit to Tony Pulis, he has got strength, power and talent with some of the players he has got at Stoke. He has brought in Charlie Adam, one of the best passers in the league. The gulf has come in a little bit.”

Giggs is still up for the challenge.
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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/fo...xt-best-thing-when-he-hangs-up-his-boots.html
 
Great little interview.
I will most definetly cry in his last match - he was my hero growing up; Legend. He deserves much more respect from certain spoilt fans.
 
Happy Birthday Giggsy! 39 today. One of the best players I've ever seen. Thank you for all the glorious moments over the last 21 years.

Legend.
 
Thought he was great, he's still got plenty to offer in the right games/situations. Did better attacking work in like 15mins or so than Valencia/Young all game. Showed the difference in having someone to just carry the ball inside and outside.
 
Actually looked impressive when he came on. I think he showed that he's actually still semi-capable with a football- it's more his decision making, lack of pace and inability to do it over a full game that's the problem. I have no qualms if Fergie knows how to use him though.
 
Used in the right way, and look, he's still effective. What a surprise.

Created more in 15 minutes then Valencia did in an hour.
 
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