Source: Daily_Mail
Ryan Giggs super injunction scandal brshed off by Alex Ferguson
ShareSir Alex Ferguson refused to wade into Ryan Giggs' super-injunction storm despite fears over whether the Manchester United veteran should start the Champions League final.[LNB]Giggs was missing from the opening training session at Carrington on Tuesday morning, although this is thought to be down to avoiding photographers.[LNB]Ferguson is determined to play Giggs from the first whistle at Wembley on Saturday night even though the midfielder faces the huge distraction of being the most-talked about man in the country.[LNB]Giggs was named in Parliament on Monday as the footballer who obtained a High Court injunction to prevent details of an affair with former Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas being madepublic.[LNB]Job to do: Giggs arrives at Manchester United's Carrington training ground on Tuesday morning[LNB] Outed: Ryan Giggs (left) and former Big Brother contestant Imogen Thomas, who was spotted on Monday night [LNB] He spoke to his manager on Monday, when his state of mind was assessed - and Ferguson is ready to play him against Barcelona as they chase their third European Cup.Ferguson wanted to know if Giggs was prepared to face Barcelona - and was told: 'Yes'.[LNB]At Tuesday's press conference to preview the final, Ferguson was asked about the importance of Giggs to his team.[LNB]However, it was immediately obvious the United boss was not interested in discussing the Welshman, only saying: 'All the players are important to us.'[LNB] Keeping quiet: Sir Alex Ferguson refused to be drawn on Ryan Giggs[LNB] The midfield linchpin wants to play asmall part in Gary Neville's testimonial on Tuesday night at Old Trafford. Ferguson may allow Giggs a cameo appearance after not playing in Sunday's 4-2 win against Blackpool. [LNB]It is understood the United manager, who has been watching Giggs' demeanour and form since the scandal broke,is satisfied his longest-serving player remains in the right frame of mind to play. [LNB]Ferguson, who won the Manager of the Year award and two others at Monday night's League Managers' Association dinner, said: 'The media is a difficult beast to handle these days with the profile of the players.' [LNB]As United count down to their meeting with Barcelona at Wembley, Giggs was named in the House of Commons by Liberal Democrat MP John Hemmings.[LNB] United front: Giggs celebrating his side's title triumph with his children Zach and Libby at Old Trafford[LNB]He used parliamentary privilege to name the star saying 75,000 people had already outed him on Twitter.[LNB]Naming Giggs he added that it would be 'impracticable' to prison everyone on the website who had previously tweeted his identity.[LNB]Speaker John Bercow immediately leapt out of his seat and rebuked Mr Hemmings in an effort to try and protect the Manchester United player's identity.[LNB]Following the revelation thousands of people once again took to Twitter to spread word Giggs had finally been outed.[LNB] Controversy: Manchester United star Giggs with his wife Stacey last week[LNB]Giggs had mounted a desperate campaign to keep his name secret, not only taking out an injunction but also threatening to sue Twitter users for leaking his name.[LNB]The player's face was published by the Glasgow-based Sunday Herald and India's leading newspaper the Times Of India printed a picture of the footballer and used his name three times in a report about the injunction.[LNB]Despite the scandal, Ferguson is likely to stick with Giggs for Saturday's crunch clash with Barcelona.[LNB]The one selection issue facing Ferguson is whether to start Javier Hernandez or an extra midfielder, with the Mexico striker favourite to get the nod at present. [LNB] Eyes on the prize: Evra (left) says he was persuaded to stay at Old Trafford by Sir Alex [LNB]Meanwhile, Ferguson does not believe Barcelona's status as favourites ahead of the final offers them any advantage.[LNB]Manchester United find themselves in the rare position of being underdogs for Saturday's showpiece, even though they have just claimed a record 19th league title.[LNB]However, with memories of the one-sided encounter in Rome two years ago when the Catalans eased to victory, it is Barca who are expected to win.[LNB]'There is no advantage,' declared Ferguson. It doesn't matter. We don't decide those things. I know my players will be ready.'[LNB]Ferguson believes concentration will be the key to an improved outcome. He prefers to dwell on the two meetings with Barcelona in the 2008 semi-final, when United were able to keep a pair of clean sheets, as the template his side must work towards.[LNB]Life on the big screen: Ferguson receives his Manager of the Year award from David Gill on video-link [LNB]'We showed fantastic concentration in those two ties,' said Ferguson. 'That is the key for us. It is an important issue in terms of Saturday.'[LNB]Ferguson, whilst recognising Lionel Messi's brilliance, is refusing to single out the Argentina star for special attention.[LNB]'We have played against Barcelona three times with Messi in the team,' he said. 'But there is always a solution to every good player. Hopefully we can find one on Saturday.[LNB]'They have other good players though, and so do we. That is why it is such an appealing game. I am sure Barcelona are aware of that.'[LNB] Faithful Fergie! Giggs to start against Barca in Wembley final despite affair The flirty texts, secret liaisons... and sordid truth behind Ryan Giggs' family man imageA ?20 lifesaver: GPs urged to test blood for ovarian cancer to improve survival ratesAll the latest Manchester United news, features and opinion Explore more:People: John Bercow, Alex Ferguson, Ryan Giggs, Lionel Messi, Imogen Thomas, Gary Neville Places: Barcelona, Manchester, Glasgow, Rome, Argentina, India, Mexico Organisations: House of Commons
