Giggs says United are better by half as they prepare for huge clash at Emirates

04 May 2009 09:13
Ryan Giggs has called on Manchester United to repeat their first-half super show against Arsenal on Tuesday in order to complete their passage to the Champions League final. [LNB]Such was the brilliance of United's performance at Old Trafford last week, they are slightly unfortunate not to be counting down the days to Rome on May 27 already. [LNB]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.[LNB]However, Giggs feels the Red Devils are capable of exercising theirdominance once more and feels that will be enough to end any Arsenalcomeback dream.[LNB] Golden oldie: Ryan Giggs salutes the crowd after scoring in Manchester United's win at the Riverside on Saturday and has now got his sights firmly set on the Champions League semi-final against Arsenal[LNB]'If we play to the ability we did in the first half last week we will have no problems,' said the former Wales skipper. [LNB]'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. [LNB] '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. [LNB]'But our form in Europe has been excellent and we are in a good position.'[LNB]Having started yesterday's win over Middlesbrough, Giggs seems set to be handed a spot on the bench. [LNB]Knock: Rio Ferdinand has been coughing up blood after injuring himself in the Champions League first leg[LNB]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. [LNB]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. [LNB]However, the newly crowned PFA player of the year is now more interested in quelling Arsenal's threat. [LNB]'You have to look after Arsenal's quality players,' said Giggs. [LNB]'They have so many matchwinners; Fabregas, Adebayor, Walcott, Van Persie, if he is fit. [LNB]'The threat is obvious, so you have to try and nullify it. [LNB]'But we have to try and stamp our own authority on the game because we have outstanding players ourselves.'[LNB]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. [LNB] Red all over: Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo have both apparently committed their future to Old Trafford[LNB]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. [LNB]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. [LNB]The 35-year-old's personal reward for such loyalty came with the PFA award for the first time in his career last Sunday. [LNB]Lots to ponder: Sir Alex Ferguson's United side stand on the cusp of retaining the Premier League title but face a tough test at the Emirates on Tuesday[LNB]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. [LNB]However Giggs, who was making his 13th Premier League start - and scoring his second goal - at the Riverside yesterday, would like to feel it was for performances produced this term. [LNB]'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. [LNB]Sir Alex Ferguson will need to check on Patrice Evra as well as Rio Ferdinand before finalising his plans for Tuesday night. [LNB]Evra limped off with a minor knock, although the United boss is confident his French full-back will make it. [LNB]More doubt surrounds Ferdinand, who was coughing up blood after suffering bruising to his lung in a collision with Edwin van der Sar. [LNB]It was anticipated Ferdinand would train today but it appears Ferguson will not check on his £29.1million defender until tomorrow, 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. Middlesbrough 0 Man Utd 2: Vintage Giggs inches United to the titleVan Persie set for shock return in time for United Champions League returnPIERS MORGAN: My 10-point guide to beating Red swine fluALL THE MANCHESTER UNITED FC

Source: Daily_Mail