Ryan Giggs is not looking to surrender top spot without a fight despite the club suffering injuries.
United winger knows the importance of leading the pack
Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs is not looking to surrender top spot without a fight despite the club suffering up to a dozen injuries.
United travel to West Brom on Tuesday ahead of second place Liverpool on goal difference with a game in hand.
The turnaround at the top has been impressive with Sir Alex Ferguson's men seven points behind Liverpool when they returned from the World Club Cup in Japan.
Giggs, a veteran of ten title wins, knows more than anyone the importance of leading the pack at this crucial stage of the season.
"Once you hit the front, you want to stay there," the 35-year-old explained.
"We always try to be somewhere near at Christmas. If there are one or two points between the top two or three it is whoever goes into the last few weeks in form.
"But we know what the run-in is like, and there is no doubt we want the others chasing us rather than the other way round."
If United do secure their third successive title it would be the Welshman's 11th overall, matching the number he has worn for United for close to 20 years.
Record-breaker
"I don't really think of it in these terms. But yes, it would definitely be nice to get 11," Giggs added.
The midfielder has been used sparingly during the last few seasons at Old Trafford but his form this term has seen Giggs show glimpses of the player that used to terrorise defences on a regular basis during the 1990's and early 2000's.
None more so than when he ran the show from the centre of the park as United hammered title rivals Chelsea 3-0 at Old Trafford.
"I was really up for it. I had not started the previous games against the big four, so I was delighted to be told I was playing," he added.
"You become a footballer to play in these big games. That's why it is great playing for United, because Chelsea was just one of many."
Giggs' recent form has been rewarded with another one-year deal but he is all too aware that his good form must continue at West Brom.
United have won on their last five visits to The Hawthorns but Giggs is conscious of the threat the Baggies pose.
"It is going to be tough. I admire West Brom for the way they play," he declared.
"They outplayed us at times at Old Trafford earlier this season. Their passing and movement was excellent and they are on a good run at the moment, especially at home, so we are under no illusions."
