Source: Eurosport
VDS: Giggs' records won't be topped
Edwin van der Sar is certain the legendary achievements of his Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs will never be topped.Van der Sar was among the five nominees to miss out on Sunday night as his Manchester United team-mate was named Professional Footballers' Association player of the year.It was the first time Giggs collected the prestigious accolade, adding it to his 10 Premier League titles, two European Cups, four FA Cups, three League Cups and various other trophies collected during a stellar one-club career.On Wednesday against Arsenal, Giggs is expected to make his 800th Red Devils appearance, edging further clear of Sir Bobby Charlton, whose record he took when he came on as substitute during the Champions League final victory over Chelsea in Moscow last May.The 35-year-old has already pledged to see out the remaining year of his contract. And if he can maintain his present form, Giggs could carry on towards his 40th birthday.But Van der Sar, who has made more than 650 club appearances during a career which took him from Ajax to Juventus and then Fulham before heading north to Old Trafford in 2005, feels even if he stopped now, Giggs' record will stand forever."It would be hard to beat that record," said the veteran Dutchman."There are so many changes now with transfers and everything else and Ryan started out early."You will not see anything like that in future."And the thing is he is still going strong. It is as though he was only 31."Although he is not used in every game, Giggs' influence over United is still immense. And with the pressure starting to increase in a week which began in such thrilling fashion at Old Trafford on Saturday ahead of Wednesday's first leg with the Gunners, the Welshman's presence could be a major factor."It is a joy to see how he trains as well as plays," said Van der Sar."How he controls the ball, how he sees a pass and the runs he makes. He can read a game and adjust the way we play."He shows such dedication every day and sets the example for everyone."If the last seven days are anything to go by, Old Trafford can brace itself for a thriller.Last week Arsenal were involved in an astonishing eight-goal draw with Liverpool, Andrey Arshavin scoring all four goals for Arsene Wenger's men.On Saturday United secured a dramatic win over Tottenham, roaring back from two goals down at the break to record a victory that has taken them to the brink of an 18th league championship."Last Tuesday was a strange game," reflected Van der Sar."Sometimes you make one mistake in a game, other times it is nine or 10. That is football."We are all human beings and these kind of things happen. Hopefully we can be a bit tighter against them and get the same opportunities Liverpool had."Sir Alex Ferguson's major dilemma is who to start up front given Carlos Tevez's outstanding contribution to the Red Devils' most recent triumph.Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney seem certain to be involved after taking their personal goal tally to 23 and 20 at the weekend, while Ferguson is a huge fan of Berbatov's economic style even though many fans prefer Tevez's industry.John O'Shea also seems set to fill the right-back berth as United look for added defensive resolve in their attempt to become the first team to defend the European Cup since the Champions League era began in 1992."This game is going to be something new because we have never played English opposition in a two-legged European game before," said Van der Sar."We are all excited about it but at the same time, the preparation and way we go about[LNB]
