An ode to Ryan Giggs

Article by e-Manchester United Correspondent Mark Harbottle

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There has been a noted increase in the number of articles and comments writing off Ryan Giggs’ career in recent months. Over the hill, time to retire, give the kids a chance, etc. yet in despite of these articles, the Welsh Wizard breathed new life into a dogged and lifeless Manchester United team against Olympiakos a few weeks ago, to show he is just as influential as ever.

The game itself was almost a false positive. Manchester United have built a reputation against the ropes when they’re all but down and out, and although this European fixture was no different, it was against a lesser opponent and hosted by the theatre of dreams. Progress at this stage was written in the stars, and even the most hopeful fan won’t fancy our chances against Bayern Munich. What wasn’t predicted was the influence Ryan Giggs made to that game which put him on a pedestal once again in his glittering career.

With no less than 13 premier league titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions League medals in his cabinet it would be fair to give him a back seat this season, arguably his greatest value is teaching, training and developing the squad. But David Moyes’ squad selection that evening suggested experience in a tight situation was important. Ryan Giggs did not disappoint. The result might have put the spotlight on RvP and Rooney for the goals / assists, but no one expected the first goal to come from an inch-perfect long ball from Giggs, and the second a wonderful assist. In the past Giggs would have used his pace to literally carry the ball into the box, these days he’s letting players do the running for him and he’s putting it on their laps without breaking a sweat.

Manchester United have been criticised for a lack of attacking football this season. Should we blame Moyes for the supposed defensive mentality? Is it Carrick / Cleverley who would rather pass sideways? Perhaps it’s the overall fear of attacking that seems to have creeped up on the squad. Whatever the case, Giggsy blew those rumours out the water. It was fascinating to see him driving the ball forward, moving the phase of play from defence to attack with a long ball or a 30 yard run. At times he was dribbling past players for fun. For the first time this season we were playing football with style, flair and passion; something that’s been missing since Fergie retired. Is Ryan Giggs our answer to what should have been, or how it should be?

The players of our future; Cleverley, Fellani, Young et al should be looking at Giggs and watching what he does with the ball, how he tackles and where he looks / passes. His coaching role is to pass his DNA on, and there is no better stage to practise what he preaches than on the pitch. He is absolutely timeless and his influence, despite different, is still absolutely game changing.

It is unthinkable at times why Ryan Giggs hasn’t been playing more this season, and I don’t think we’ll ever know why. Gossip from the Old Trafford camp suggests unrest between him and Moyes, but that’s speculation and I can’t see that when Giggs would always want the best for the team. At a time where we’ve got little or nothing to play for this season it seems foolish not to let him play more, with midfielders who he can support and develop. He was missing at the City game, which was screaming out for someone to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and make something happen when Manchester United were simply out of ideas 30 minutes into the game.

To Ryan Giggs I say thank you for what you’ve given us so far in your +20 year career, but there is still so much more you can do for us. He needs to be on the pitch more often, even for 60 minutes. There is so little left to hope for this season, and it’s not exactly been a strategic masterclass courtesy of David Moyes. I truly believe Giggsy can make an impact; if not on the scoresheet, then to the squad, players and manager.

Ryan Giggs has scored in every season since the birth of the Premier League – apart from this season. It would be a shame not to get him a few more games if only for that reason!

Follow me on twitter: @harbottle_mark

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