The spotlight may seem permanently fixed on Cristiano Ronaldo
and the Reds attacking exploits lately, but Welsh winger Ryan
Giggs is calling for recognition for Uniteds defenders.
Six second-half goals against Newcastle last weekend showed how
quickly and easily United can turn on the style going forward, but
it stole the limelight from yet another water-tight defensive
performance.
The Reds are yet to concede a goal in 2008, making it 17 clean
sheets in all competitions this season, and Giggs is in no doubt
the solid defensive underpinning is fundamental to United's
position as league leaders.
"The way our defence is playing at the moment is really helping
us, Giggs told MUTV.
We have had so many clean sheets this season and you need that
foundation to go out and play with flair."
But the 34-year Welshman says Uniteds defence will have to be on
top form to keep Reading out at the Madejski Stadium on
Saturday.
Steve Coppells side have managed to pick up three draws in five
meetings with United in the last two seasons in the league and FA
Cup. Giggs says the Reds defence will be just as important in
keeping Reading out as Uniteds forwards will be to breaking the
home side down.
Reading are a team that won't just sit back and defend, he added.
They will go out and try to score goals so hopefully it will be an
open game.