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By Chris Burton   Last updated: 16th May 2008

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Giggs: Veteran Red Devil

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Ryan Giggs feels there are a number of similarities between Manchester United's heroes of 1999 and the class of 2008.

The Welsh winger was part of the Red Devils side which clinched UEFA Champions League glory nine years ago, and believes that the current squad is more than capable of emulating that achievement when they come face-to-face with Chelsea next Wednesday.

United have already secured a 10th Premier League title this season, but Giggs is confident that Sir Alex Ferguson's ambitious young squad will be keen to get their hands on more silverware when they arrive in Moscow.

"There are similarities to 1999," he said.

Balance

"The team spirit is the same and there is a good balance within the squad.

"The enthusiasm the young players have shown this season is great for the older ones like me and Paul Scholes, while we give experience to the younger ones.

"We had a great squad in 1999, which the manager used throughout the season.

"It is the same again this year. It is about the squad, not 11 players, just as it was then, so there are similarities."

Chance

As an old head surrounded by the exuberance of youth, Giggs is delighted that his fellow veteran Scholes will be handed a starting role against Chelsea, especially as the former England international was forced to miss out on the success of1999 through suspension.

"I am not picking the manager's team but Paul deserves to play because he is a great player," he said.

"He can do things other players cannot do and his recent form has been brilliant.

"Obviously his disappointment in 1999, after being such a big part of that season as well, was massive. He has another chance now."

Disappointment

Scholes will be one of the lucky ones in Moscow, as United boss Sir Alex Ferguson admits that a fully fit squad is causing him a selection dilemma.

"It doesn't get any easier telling players they are left out, it actually becomes more difficult," he said.

"I am certainly not going to enjoy it because some very good players are going to be left out.

"I hope in the future they extend the number of outfield players like they do in the World Cup because it doesn't matter what I tell them, it doesn't resonate. The disappointment is always deep and that is understandable."