Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs is
fit enough to play for another five years.
Giggs, who made his debut for the club 20 years ago in 1991, has
already signed a new contract for next season which will take him
through his 38th birthday. But time shows no sign of catching up
with a player who has already made a record 873 appearances, before
the trip to Arsenal, for the club.
Last month Burnley defender Graham Alexander joined Tony Ford as
the only outfield players to pass 1000 appearances. If Giggs plays
on he will join them, but Alexander and Ford played their football
in the lower divisions and for Giggs to complete the feat playing
all his matches in top-flight football would be an astounding
achievement.
Sir Alex told the Sunday Mirror: "He's been
unbelievable, fantastic. I don't know how he does it. He's 37 years
old and still looks as if he's got four or five years left in
him.
"Of course, when you get older it can hit you quickly. You never
know. But what he's doing at the moment is quite amazing.
"Ryan has never had any weight problems. He's also got great
balance. You never see him get whacked because his balance is so
good."
Ferguson also revealed he is still hoping to persuade Paul Scholes to
play on for another season. Unlike Giggs, Scholes has so far not
committed to another 12 months with United.
He added: "I've had a few chats with Paul, encouraging him to
stay on. We'll see."
