It is difficult to pick one goal or moment with Ryan because there are so many, but the one which stands out for me was his goal against Juventus in a 3-2 group stage victory at Old Trafford in 1997. He burst past a couple of defenders and smashed the ball past Angelo Peruzzi into the top corner. It was a great goal, but it also came in a pivotal game for us as beating Juventus gave the team belief that we could win the Champions League. Until that point, we had experienced ups and downs in Europe, but it just felt like a big moment when we beat a Juventus team that had been the best around for a couple of years. Ryan's goal set us on the way that night.
United had gone in 2-0 down at half-time at Upton Park and, at the start of the second half, Sir Alex Ferguson substituted Patrice Evra and moved Giggs back from midfield to left-back. At the time, eyebrows were raised because the league leaders were under the cosh and looking as though they were heading for a big defeat. But Giggs was absolutely sensational for 45 minutes in a position that none of us had seen him play before. He became the best player on the pitch, United took a grip of the game and won 4-2. Giggs's performance that day was outstanding and he showed us the depth of his football intelligence.
Petrified would accurately describe my state as I addressed the Manchester United squad a few years back on the subject of the media. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those in the audience. Before and after my hopeless oration, Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes were the two who came over to offer encouragement and thanks. They say Giggs is the star every United player looks up to. That day I could see why. He exuded not only charm but leadership qualities.
It came on the stroke of half-time against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Only 18 at the time, Giggs pounced on a loose ball 40 yards out, nutmegged a defender in the blink of an eye before rounding the goalkeeper with incredible pace and balance to slot home cooly from a tight angle with that deadly left foot. It was mesmerising stuff, encapsulating the special talent that would grace the game for another 20 years or more.
I was privileged to have played with Ryan for so many seasons and although his consistency meant that memorable moments were not in isolation, I would have to say the night that stands out most is the 2-1 victory over Italy in Cardiff. He was magnificent that night, truly magnificent. It was Ryan at his best best. I suppose the only disappointment in what has been a simply wonderful career, is that we did not see Ryan Giggs at a World Cup. He would have graced a competition like that, but we could never conquer that final hurdle.
On the night he broke Sir Bobby Charlton's appearance record for United, Giggs scored the crucial penalty in the shoot-out which preceded Edwin van der Sar's save from Nicolas Anelka that secured the club's third, and Giggs's second, European Cup. Ten days earlier, Giggs had scored the decisive goal in a 2-0 win at Wigan to clinch the Premier League title and his 11th championship medal, but his penalty in Moscow encapsulated the mental strength which has been highlighted as one of the main factors in his success and longevity. With rain pouring down on a slick surface – ask John Terry – Giggs nervelessly sent Petr Cech the wrong way to put United on the brink of glory.
My favourite Giggs goal is also one of his earliest, one which intensified the George Best comparisons, and it is so good that I would still have it as one of my favourite ever United goals. It was started by a long kick from Peter Schmeichel. It was headed away, but defender Dean Austin slipped as Giggs is first to the ball. He then nutmegs Jason Cundy and glides past goalkeeper Ian Walker to score from an ever decreasing angle. It is pure split second instinct and decision-making from who knows where inside of him. For speed, technique and touch, it is right up there with the very best.
More Info: Berrichonne de Châteauroux - AS Monaco [Live Football]
No comments:
Post a Comment