Giggs given new United role

Ferguson admits veteran will not be employed on the wing

Last updated: 26th September 2008

Ryan Giggs Manchester United

Giggs: Central role

Related links

Teams

Players

Also see

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted that Ryan Giggs' days as Manchester United's wing wizard are over.

The veteran former Wales international, who holds the club's all-time appearance record, will be 35 in November.

And while Ferguson accepts that Giggs will not be employed on the flank, he still plans to get the best out of the Old Trafford legend for at least another season, with his current contract due to expire in the summer.

"At 34, tramping up and down the touchline is beyond Ryan now," said Ferguson.

"You have to respect the job he has done for us going up and down that touchline over so many years.

"No-one in the Premier League comes anywhere near him in terms of his adaptability.

"But I look upon him as a central player, either in midfield or up front."

Experience

Giggs floated around behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Danny Welbeck during Tuesday's Carling Cup victory over Middlesbrough, creating havoc wherever he went.

At the same time, Nani was doing the job that was once his, forcing the Boro defenders onto the back foot with his dazzling wing play.

Ferguson added: "Ryan is an incredible human being. He could play for another year, no problem at all. He might be 35 in November but he is exceptionally fit.

"The secret is to manage him the right way because he can still decide games for us. We just have to keep him fresh and make sure he has the motivation because I want him to continue.

"He is a fantastic person to have about the place. The experience he brings is invaluable.

"There are certain types of people you only get once in a lifetime. Ryan is just a complete one-off."