Revitalised Giggs can Damage City

Ryan Giggs is a veteran of the Manchester United side who could dig in and cause Manchester City a real problem in the semi-final clash.

Giggs performed superbly during the mid-week win over Chelsea in the Champions League. Every year people have been saying that he looks better than ever, but this year it is more evident than ever before.

There have been subtle indications over the last few weeks that Sir Alex Ferguson may have told Giggs to change his playing position slightly in order to get another few years out of one of his most experienced players.

United don’t need Giggs to sit on one of the flanks, although this is something he can easily do. He has been playing more of a central role where he doesn’t have to do so much running and can utilise the best parts of his passing and his vision.

United go into this game knowing that only a win will keep their dreams of a second treble under Sir Alex Ferguson alive. Giggs is one player who can control the game in front of the Manchester City defence and he is good enough to exploit the chances that will be created by others around him.

Giggs has been playing at the top level for nearly two decades and during this time he would have learnt a thing or two about how to read the game. He’s also been in many high pressure and nervous situations which will allow him to predict how the opposition is likely to react.

United put power and pace players around Giggs like Wayne Rooney, Nani and Javier Hernandez. These players take all the attention and focus of the opposition which effectively allows Giggs to ghost under the radar undetected.

Some of the Welshman’s best goals in the last few season have come from a passage of play being initiated by one his teammates. Giggs can burst into space and his shooting ability is still good enough to put the ball past many of the best goalkeepers in the world.