It's advantage Manchester United in their Champions League quarter-final. A one-nil first leg lead secured at Chelsea puts Sir Alex Ferguson's charges in the box seat for a final four place.
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| Rooney's deft finish caps a brilliant United move |
That Ryan Giggs is already a legend is without doubt. But after his virtuoso moment at Stamford Bridge, I think he's got to be classed as United's best ever. He just keeps delivering.
Yes, a greater United figure than Bobby Charlton, Eric Cantona, George Best - even Ralphy Milne.
And what crowns him as United's greatest is his ongoing athleticism, his influence and sheer consistency at the highest level. The marriage of good form and experience that only a 37-year-old could have (late thirties, remember!)
But he also has something in his locker that even another giant of longevity, Paolo Maldini didn't have; that's the individual brilliance to create a winning goal from nothing.
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| Could Ryan Giggs play to the age of 40? |
Yes, Rooney's bicycle kick against Manchester City was fantastic, but United's winner at Chelsea was a team goal of breathtaking precision. Carrick's cross field pass was collected on the run by Giggs, who made space for a defence splicing pass to Rooney who steered the ball into the net giving the post a little "ting" as it crossed the line.
Fergie believes he can play another couple of seasons yet and who would doubt that? Giggs has signed another year's extension to his contract but you're a long-time retired - and I'm sure the Salford-born Welshman will accept each offer so long as he remains an asset to the team.
The model professional maintains his lithe physique with yoga, topping up his already abundant natural fitness. No "thickening process" for this man, as Fergie described Eric Cantona's body in 1998. Giggs remains thin through thick and thin.
Amid all the bluster and comment claiming this current United crop is far from great, in reality, they're about five weeks from it. As April progresses, a second Treble is possible. For Giggs, it could mean a twelfth Premier League title and a hattrick in the Champions League.
And just like Manchester itself, long may he reign.
Also on Soccermongery: The day in 2009 when Giggs and Becks became greats.
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Ralph Milne Football Legend
"Jonny, it's hard to believe, but their are still a few at Old Trafford he treat Giggs with disdain. There were a coupple of seasons in the mid 90's when his form was poor and Fergie brought it blomqvist as a replacement (That lasted didn't it). Giggs is like a bottle of very fine wine; he gets better with age. The Giggs boo boys are thankfully now a dying breed and what better role model for the footballers of tomorrow than Ryan Giggs, the man who now shuns the limelight, publicity and nightclubs for his family, yoga, cups of tea and United. Great piece mate."
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