Ryan Giggs has called on Manchester United to repeat last week’s
first-half show against Arsenal in order to complete their passage
to Rome.
Such was the brilliance of United’s performance at Old Trafford
in the Championss League semi-final first leg, they are slightly
unfortunate not to be counting down the days to May 27 already.
Certainly Arsenal are aware how lucky they are still to have a
chance of going through and aim to take maximum advantage at the
Emirates Stadium.
However, Giggs feels the Red Devils are capable of exercising
their dominance once more and feels that will be enough to end any
Arsenal comeback dream.
“If we play to the ability we did in the first half last week we
will have no problems,” said the former Wales skipper.
“We went out to get the crowd going and play at a quick tempo.
That is what we do when we are at our best.
“Arsenal are a top team and they are capable of scoring goals so
we are under no illusions about how difficult this is going to
be.
“But our form in Europe has been excellent and we are in a good
position.”
Having started Saturday’s win over Middlesbrough, Giggs seems
set to be handed a spot on the bench.
The experience gained by 801 appearances and 148 goals at the
highest level for United is an invaluable asset in the bid to
become the first side to retain the European Cup since the
Champions League era began.
Giggs is refusing to accept the Premier League title race is
over even though the Old Trafford outfit only need seven more
points from their remaining four games to be certain of holding off
Liverpool’s challenge.
However, the newly crowned PFA player of
the year is now more interested in quelling Arsenal’s threat.
“You have to look after Arsenal’s quality players,” said
Giggs.
“They have so many matchwinners; Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott,
Van Persie, if he is fit.
“The threat is obvious, so you have to try and nullify it.
“But we have to try and stamp our own authority on the game
because we have outstanding players ourselves.”
Among that number are Cristiano Ronaldo, who was left on the
bench yesterday, and in-form Wayne Rooney, who have both apparently
pledged their long-term futures to United.
In Rooney’s case that is hardly a surprise. However, Ronaldo’s
declaration that his “Real Madrid dream is dead” will be treated
with an element of scepticism by the Red Devils support, who are
anticipating another summer of rumour swirling around the
FIFA world player of the year.
It is the kind of speculation Giggs has managed to avoid, with
the exception of one period when he was linked with Inter Milan but
never even considered leaving for the San Siro.
The 35-year-old’s personal reward for such loyalty came with the
PFA award for the first time in his career
last Sunday.
Many have claimed the honour was recognition for a career that
will boast 11 league titles if United, as expected, go on to lift
the trophy again later this month.
However Giggs, who was making his 13th Premier League start –
and scoring his second goal – at the Riverside, would like to feel
it was for performances produced this term.
“I have been in the game for so long it might have been because
of that but I would like to think it was just for this season
because I have been happy with my form,” he said.
Sir Alex Ferguson will need to check on Patrice Evra as well as
Rio Ferdinand before finalising his plans for Tuesday night.
Evra limped off with a minor knock, although the United boss is
confident his French full-back will make it.
More doubt surrounds Ferdinand, who was coughing up blood after
suffering bruising to his lung in a collision with Edwin van der
Sar.
It was anticipated Ferdinand would train on Monday but it
appears Ferguson will not check on his £29.1million defender until
Tuesday, although given the importance of the game, he is likely to
give the England star as much time as he can to prove his
fitness.