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Wikipedia

Ryan Giggs

February 15, 2024

Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE (né Wilson; born 29 November 1973[3]) is a Welsh football coach, former player and co-owner of Salford City. Regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation,[4][5] Giggs spent his entire professional career at Manchester United, where he also served as the club's interim player-manager and assistant manager. He is one of the most decorated footballers of all time, and is one of only 44 players to have made over 1,000 career appearances.[6][7][8]

Ryan Giggs
OBE
Giggs with Manchester United in 2015
Personal information
Full name Ryan Joseph Giggs[1]
Birth name Ryan Joseph Wilson
Date of birth (1973-11-29) 29 November 1973 (age 50)
Place of birth Canton, Cardiff, Wales
Height 5 ft 10 in (1.79 m)[2]
Position(s) Wide midfielder
Youth career
1985–1987 Manchester City
1987–1990 Manchester United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1990–2014 Manchester United 672 (114)
Total 672 (114)
International career
1989 England U16 1 (1)
1989 Wales U18 3 (0)
1991 Wales U21 1 (0)
1991–2007 Wales 64 (12)
2012 Great Britain 4 (1)
Managerial career
2014 Manchester United (interim)
2014–2016 Manchester United (assistant)
2018–2022 Wales
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

The son of rugby union and Wales international rugby league footballer Danny Wilson, Giggs was born in Cardiff but moved to Manchester at the age of six when his father joined Swinton RLFC. Predominantly a left midfielder, he began his career with Manchester City, but joined Manchester United on his 14th birthday in 1987. He made his professional debut for the club in 1991 and spent the next 23 years in the first team. He retired from playing with the end of the 2013–14 season, holding the club record for competitive appearances – 963. Towards the end of the 2013–14 season, he became the club's interim player-manager following the sacking of David Moyes. He was assistant manager under Moyes' permanent replacement, Louis van Gaal. Giggs left United in July 2016, following the appointment of José Mourinho.[9] During his time at United he won 13 Premier League winner's medals – more than any other player in history, four FA Cup winner's medals, three League Cup winner's medals, two UEFA Champions League winner's medals, a FIFA Club World Cup winners medal, an Intercontinental Cup winner's medal, a UEFA Super Cup winner's medal and nine FA Community Shield winner's medals. Manchester United and Liverpool are the only clubs in English football history to have won more league championships than Giggs.[10]

At international level, Giggs played for the Wales national team 64 times between 1991 and 2007, and captained the Great Britain team that competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He became the new manager of the Wales national team in January 2018.[11] Giggs led Wales to qualification for UEFA Euro 2020.[12] He did not manage the team at the tournament however, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as he was arrested on suspicion of assault. His assistant manager Rob Page took charge in his absence.[13] Giggs resigned in June 2022, and Page was named as his successor.[14]

Giggs was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards (1992 and 1993), though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009. He was the only player to play in each of the first 22 seasons of the Premier League, as well as the only player to score in each of the first 21 seasons. He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007, the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003, and the FA Cup Team of the Century. He holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history, with 162, and the most assists in UEFA Champions League history with 41.[15] He was named as BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2009, and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2007 Birthday Honours for his services to football.[16]

Early years

Giggs was born at St David's Hospital in Canton, Cardiff, to Danny Wilson, a rugby union player for Cardiff RFC, and Lynne Giggs (now Lynne Johnson). Giggs is mixed race – his paternal grandfather is from Sierra Leone – and has spoken of the racism he faced as a child.[17] As a child, Giggs grew up in Ely, a suburb of western Cardiff. His younger brother, Rhodri, is a former manager of EFL League Two club Salford City.[18]

He spent much time with his mother's parents and playing football and rugby league on the roads outside their house in Pentrebane. In 1980, when Giggs was six years old, his father switched from rugby union to rugby league, and signed for Swinton RLFC, forcing the whole family to move north to Swinton, a town in Salford, Greater Manchester. The move was a traumatic one, as Giggs was very close to his grandparents in Cardiff, but he would often return there with his family at weekends or on school holidays.

After moving to Salford, Giggs appeared for the local team, Deans FC, who were coached by Manchester City scout Dennis Schofield. Schofield recommended Giggs to Manchester City, and he was signed up to their School of Excellence.[19] Meanwhile, Giggs continued to play for Salford Boys, who went on to reach the final of the Granada Schools Cup competition at Anfield in 1987. Giggs captained the Salford team to victory over their Blackburn counterparts, was man of the match, and the trophy was presented to him by Liverpool chief scout Ron Yeats.[20] Giggs also played rugby league at schoolboy level.[21]

While playing for Deans, Giggs was observed regularly by local newsagent and Old Trafford steward Harold Wood. Wood spoke personally to Alex Ferguson who sent a scout, and Giggs was eventually offered a trial over the 1986 Christmas period. Giggs played in a match for Salford Boys against a United Under-15s side at The Cliff and scored a hat-trick, with Ferguson watching from his office window. On 29 November 1987 (his 14th birthday), Ferguson turned up at Giggs' house with United scout Joe Brown and offered him two years on associate schoolboy forms. They offered to waive YTS forms and persuaded Giggs to sign by offering the opportunity to turn professional in three years. Using the name Ryan Wilson, Giggs captained England at schoolboy level, playing at Wembley Stadium against Germany in 1989.[22] He changed his surname to that of his mother at the age of 16, when his mother remarried, two years after his parents' separation.[23]

Manchester United

1990–1995: Debut and early career

Giggs was offered his first professional contract on 29 November 1990 (his 17th birthday). He accepted the contract and became a professional two days later (1 December 1990).

At this time, United had recently won the FA Cup – their first major trophy since the appointment of Alex Ferguson as manager in November 1986. After two seasons in the league where they had finished mid-table, they were finally starting to threaten the dominance of Liverpool and Arsenal, though they only managed to finish sixth that season. Ferguson's quest for a successful left-winger had not been an easy one since the departure of Jesper Olsen two years earlier; he had initially signed Ralph Milne, but the player was not a success at United and lasted just one season in the first team before Ferguson secured the Southampton winger Danny Wallace in September 1989. Wallace had failed to shine at Old Trafford, and by the time Giggs turned professional Wallace was contending with 19-year-old Lee Sharpe for the role of first-choice left winger.[citation needed]

Giggs made his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991, as a substitute for the injured full-back Denis Irwin in a 2–0 defeat.[7] In his first full start, Giggs was credited with his first-ever goal in a 1–0 win in the Manchester derby on 4 May 1991, though it appeared to be a Colin Hendry own goal. However, he was not included in the squad of 16 that defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup final 11 days later. Lee Sharpe, who had won the race to displace Danny Wallace, took to the field as United's left winger, while Wallace was selected as a substitute. Giggs became a first-team regular early in the 1991–92 season, yet remained active with the youth system and captained the team, made up of many of "Fergie's Fledglings," to an FA Youth Cup triumph in 1992.[citation needed]

Giggs paved the way as the first of many Manchester United youth players to rise into the first team under Ferguson but as the youngest member of the United first-team squad, Giggs looked to the older players such as Bryan Robson for advice. Robson recommended that Giggs sign up with Harry Swales, the agent that he himself had inherited from Kevin Keegan.[24]

That season, Giggs played in the team that finished as runners-up to Leeds United in the final year of the old First Division before the advent of the Premier League. United had led the table for much of the season before a run of dismal results in April saw them overtaken by the West Yorkshire side. Giggs collected his first piece of silverware on 12 April 1992 as United defeated Nottingham Forest in the League Cup Final after Giggs had set up Brian McClair to score the only goal of the game. In the semi-final he had scored the winning goal against Middlesbrough.[25] At the end of the season, he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year – the award which had been credited to his colleague Lee Sharpe a year earlier.[citation needed]

By the start of the 1992–93 season, the first season of the newly formed Premier League, Giggs had ousted Sharpe to become United's first-choice left-winger. He was recognised as one of English football's two best emerging young wingers, alongside Steve McManaman,[26] who were notable for being a throwback to the Stanley Matthews era of the 1950s winger.[27] Giggs helped United to their first top-division title win for 26 years.

His emergence and the arrival of Eric Cantona heralded the dominance of United in the Premier League. Ferguson was protective of him, refusing to allow Giggs to be interviewed until he turned 20, eventually granting the first interview to the BBC's Des Lynam for Match of the Day in the 1993–94 season.[citation needed] United won the double that season, and Giggs was one of their key players alongside the likes of Cantona, Paul Ince and Mark Hughes. Giggs also played for United in the Football League Cup final, where they lost 3–1 to Aston Villa.

Off the pitch, newspapers claimed Giggs had "single-handedly revolutionised football's image" when he appeared as a teenager "with pace to burn, a bramble patch of black hair bouncing around his puppy popstar face, and a dazzling, gluey relationship between his impossibly fleet left foot and a football."[28] As a result of this, he was afforded many opportunities not normally offered to footballers at his young age, such as hosting his television show, Ryan Giggs' Soccer Skills, which aired in 1994, and also had a book based on the series. Giggs was part of the Premier League's attempt to market itself globally, and he featured on countless football and lad mag covers, becoming a household name and fuelling the era where footballers started to become celebrity idols on a par with pop stars,[29] in and around the mid to late 1990s. Despite his aversion to attention, Giggs also became a teenage pin-up and was once described as the "Premiership's First Poster Boy,"[30] and the "boy wonder."[31] He was hailed as the first football star to capture the public imagination in a way unseen since the days of George Best;[32] the irony was that Best and Bobby Charlton used to describe Giggs as their favourite young player, turning up at The Cliff training ground just to watch him. Best once quipped, "One day they might even say that I was another Ryan Giggs."[32]

At the end of the 1993–94 season, Giggs won a second title in a row, and became the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards, a feat equalled by Robbie Fowler, Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli.[33]

Giggs proved to be a scorer of great goals, with many of them being shortlisted for various Goal of the Season awards. Widely regarded as among his best were those against Queens Park Rangers in 1994, Tottenham in 1994, Everton in 1995, Coventry in 1996, and his solo effort against Arsenal in the replay of the 1999 FA Cup semi-final.[citation needed] During extra time, Giggs picked up possession after Patrick Vieira gave the ball away, then ran from his own half, dribbled past the whole Arsenal back line, including Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown before launching his left-footed strike just under David Seaman's bar and beyond his reach. He famously whipped off his shirt during his goal celebration as he ran over to his teammates. It also has the distinction of being the last ever goal scored in an FA Cup semi-final replay as, from the following season, the FA Cup semi-finals are decided in a single game, with extra time and a penalty shootout if required.[34]

1995–2000

1994–95 saw Giggs restricted through injury to 29 Premier League games and only 1 goal. Later in the season, he recovered his form and fitness, though it was too late to help United to any major trophies. A failure to beat West Ham United on the final day of the season saw them lose the Premier League title to Blackburn Rovers. A week later, Giggs came on as a substitute in the FA Cup final against Everton, but United lost 1–0.

On a more positive side in the 1994–95 season, Giggs did get on the scoresheet twice in the opening Champions League game against IFK Göteborg (a 4–2 win, although United ultimately failed to progress to the quarter-finals) and also managed a goal in the FA Cup fourth-round victory over Wrexham, meaning that he had managed four goals in all competitions that season.

In 1995–96, Giggs returned to full form and played a vital part in United's unique second double, with his goal against Everton at Goodison Park on 9 September 1995 being shortlisted for the "goal of the season" award, though it was eventually beaten by a goal by Manchester City's Georgi Kinkladze. In November that season, Giggs scored two goals in a Premier League match against Southampton, where United won 4–1 to keep up the pressure on a Newcastle United side who actually went ten points clear on 23 December but were finally overhauled by United in mid-March. Giggs was also in the side for United's FA Cup final win over Liverpool on 11 May 1996, though Eric Cantona scored the only goal of the game. By now, Giggs had several new key colleagues in youngsters Gary Neville, Phil Neville, Nicky Butt, David Beckham and Paul Scholes. Beckham took over from Andrei Kanchelskis on the right-wing and Butt succeeded Paul Ince in central midfield to complete a new look United midfield along with Giggs and Roy Keane.[citation needed]

The following season, Giggs had his first real chance to shine in Europe. Having played a key role in United winning their third league title in four seasons, he helped them reach the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, the first United side in 28 years to achieve this. However, their hopes of European glory were ended by Borussia Dortmund, who edged them out by winning each leg of the semi-final 1–0. At the end of this season, Juventus' Alessandro Del Piero told Italian media that Giggs was one of his two favourite players.[35]

In 1997–98, United were pipped to the Premier League title by Arsenal, following a dismal run of form in March and early April, leaving them without a trophy for only the second time since 1989. The following season, Giggs missed a lot of games through injury, but when he was fit his form was excellent and he played in both of United's cup finals that season. Memorable moments were his extra-time goal in the FA Cup semi-final against arch-rivals Arsenal giving United a 2–1 win,[36] and his 90th-minute equaliser in the home leg of the UEFA Champions League semi-final against Juventus.

The highpoint in the 1998–99 season was when Giggs set up the equalising goal scored by Teddy Sheringham in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final that set United on their way to the Treble.

Giggs was also the Man of the Match as United beat Palmeiras 1–0 to claim the Intercontinental Cup later that year.[37]

2000–2005

Giggs became United's longest-serving player when Denis Irwin left in May 2002, and he became a pivotal part of the club, despite still being in his 20s. Giggs continued to excel in the four years that followed the Treble triumph of 1999. United were Premier League champions in three of the four seasons following the treble, as well as reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals three times and the semi-finals once. In April 2001, he signed a new five-year contract.[38]

Giggs celebrated his 10-year anniversary at Old Trafford with a testimonial match against Celtic at the start of the 2001–02 campaign, losing 4–3 in a game featuring a cameo by Eric Cantona.[39][40] However, this was one of the most disappointing seasons United had endured since Giggs made his debut, as a dismal run of form in early winter ultimately cost them the league title and they were surprisingly knocked out of the Champions League on away goals in the semi-finals by German underdogs Bayer Leverkusen. A year later, on 23 August 2002, he bagged his 100th career goal in a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.[41]

The 2002–03 season was one to forget for Giggs. He was forced to defend his poor form, insisting that he was not finished.[42][43] This dip in form included being booed off the pitch in the 74th minute of a 1–1 semi-final first leg draw at home to Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup on 7 January[44][45] and an open-goal miss during a 2–0 defeat against Arsenal in the FA Cup on 16 February that was described as the worst of his career, and prompted chants by the Arsenal fans of "Give it to Giggsy."[46][47] A week later, on 24 February, Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon refused to rule out the possibility of Giggs leaving Old Trafford, saying: "It's too soon to say whether we would even consider a bid, and all we want to do at the moment is concentrate on this season." It was further claimed that a rift in the dressing room was contributing towards Giggs' possible departure.[48] However, the following day, Giggs played one of his most memorable games, in a 3–0 victory against Juventus. After coming on as a substitute for Diego Forlán in the eighth minute, Giggs scored twice,[49][50] including a goal that would later be heralded as one of his greatest goals and one of his finest Champions League moments.[51][52]

After speculation throughout the season that Giggs was close to joining Italian club Inter Milan, possibly with Brazilian striker Adriano as a makeweight,[45][53][54] Giggs quashed the rumours by saying he was happy at United.[45][55]

He played in his fourth FA Cup triumph on 22 May 2004, making him one of only two players (the other being Roy Keane) to have won the trophy four times while playing for Manchester United. He has also finished with a runners-up medal three times (1995, 2005 and 2007). His participation in the victory over Liverpool in September 2004 made him the third player to play 600 games for United, alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes. He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the English game.[56]

In 2005, Giggs' form had improved and was no longer suffering with the hamstring injuries which had plagued his career,[57] which he attributed to taking up yoga.[58]

2005–2010

 
As his career progressed, Giggs abandoned his position on the left wing for a more central role.

Giggs signed a two-year contract extension with United when chief executive David Gill relented on his normal policy of not signing players over 30 to contracts longer than one year. Giggs benefited from being largely injury-free aside from a series of hamstring problems.

Giggs scored his first goal of the 2006–07 season in a 2–1 victory over Watford on 26 August 2006, with his goal proving to be the winner.[59] Giggs scored the winner in United's next game, a 1–0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur on 9 September, scoring a header in the eighth minute.[60] Giggs provided a goal and an assist in the final Champions League group game against Benfica on 6 December, with his free-kick being converted by Nemanja Vidić before Giggs headed in a Cristiano Ronaldo cross.[61]

In February 2007, Giggs scored the final three goals of his season. He scored the final goal in a 4–0 away win against Tottenham on 4 February which put United six points clear of Chelsea.[62] On 20 February, Giggs scored the winning goal against Lille in the UEFA Champions League with a quickly taken free-kick that caused the Lille players to walk off the pitch in protest.[63] Giggs later said he was amazed by the situation, as no rule had been broken.[64] On 24 February, Giggs scored the equalising goal against Fulham in a game which United went on to win via a late Cristiano Ronaldo winner to go nine points clear of Chelsea.[65]

On 6 May 2007, with Chelsea only able to manage a 1–1 draw with London rivals Arsenal, Manchester United became the champions of England. In doing so, Giggs set a new record of nine league titles, beating the previous record of eight he shared with Alan Hansen and Phil Neal (who won all of their titles with Liverpool).[66] In the 2007 FA Cup Final, Giggs had a goal ruled out in the 14th minute of extra time after referee Steve Bennett deemed him to have fouled goalkeeper Petr Čech in forcing the ball across the line.[67]

Giggs played a starring role in United's 2007 FA Community Shield victory after netting in the first half to bring the game to a 1–1 draw, which led to penalty triumph for the Red Devils after 'keeper Edwin van der Sar saved all of Chelsea's first three penalties; the goal was Giggs' first professional goal at Wembley Stadium.[68][69]

 
Seen here after the Munich air disaster 50th anniversary match against Manchester City in February 2008, Giggs has made more appearances in the Manchester derby than any other player.

In the 2007–08 season, Alex Ferguson adopted a rotation system between Giggs and newcomers Nani and Anderson.[70] Giggs scored his 100th league goal for United against Derby County on 8 December 2007, which United won 4–1.[71] More landmarks have been achieved: on 20 February 2008 he made his 100th appearance in the UEFA Champions League in a game against Lyon[72] and on 11 May 2008, he came on as a substitute for Park Ji-sung to equal Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 758 appearances for United.[73] Giggs scored the second goal in that match, sealing his, and United's, 10th Premier League title. Ten days later, on 21 May 2008, Giggs broke Bobby Charlton's appearance record for United when coming on as an 87th-minute substitute for Paul Scholes in the UEFA Champions League Final against Chelsea.[74] United won the final, defeating Chelsea 6–5 on penalties after a 1–1 draw after extra time, with Giggs converting the winning penalty in sudden death.

At the start of Manchester United's 2008–09 campaign, Sir Alex Ferguson began placing Giggs at central midfield, behind the forwards, instead of his favoured wing position. Sir Alex Ferguson said in an interview, "(Giggs) is a very valuable player, he will be 35 this November but at 35, he can be United's key player. At 25, Ryan would shatter defenders with his run down the flank, but at 35, he will play deeper."[75] Giggs has begun taking his coaching badges and Ferguson has hinted that he would like Giggs to serve as his coaching staff after retirement like Ole Gunnar Solskjær did.[76]

 
Giggs has played in the UEFA Champions League over 100 times.

Following speculation earlier in the year,[77] in February 2009, Giggs signed a one-year extension to his current contract – which was due to expire in June 2009.[78] After a successful season, Giggs was short-listed along with four other Manchester United teammates for the PFA Player of the Year.[79] On 26 April 2009, Giggs received the award, despite having started just 12 games throughout the 2008–09 season (at the time of receiving the trophy). This was the first time in his career that Giggs had received the award.[80] Prior to the awards ceremony, Alex Ferguson had given his backing for Giggs to win the award and stated that it would be fitting, given Giggs' long term contribution to the game.[81] Giggs made his 800th appearance for Manchester United on 29 April 2009, in the 1–0 semi-final win over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League.[82] On 16 May 2009, Manchester United won the Premier League after a 0–0 draw against Arsenal, both United's and Giggs' 11th Premier League titles.

Giggs scored his first Manchester United hat-trick in a pre-season friendly against Hangzhou Greentown after coming on as a second-half substitute.[83]

 
Giggs before a corner kick against Everton at Old Trafford in 2009

On 12 September 2009, Giggs made his 700th start for United.[84] Giggs scored his 150th goal for United, only the ninth player to do so for the club, against Wolfsburg in his first UEFA Champions League game of the season. On 28 November 2009, the eve of his 36th birthday, Giggs scored his 100th Premier League goal – all for Manchester United – scoring the final goal in a 4–1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park, and becoming only the 17th player to reach the milestone in the Premier League.[85]

On 30 November 2009, the day after his 36th birthday, it was reported that Giggs would be offered an additional one-year contract which would run until the end of the 2010–11 season and see him past the 20th anniversary of his first game and first goal for United. On the same day, Giggs was nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009, which he subsequently won.[86] On 12 December 2009, Giggs' surpassed countryman Gary Speed's outfield record of 535 Premier League games. On 18 December 2009, Giggs signed a one-year contract extension with United, keeping him at the club until June 2011, taking him past the 20th anniversary of his first professional contract and that of his first-team debut – a rare occurrence of a player reaching the 20-year mark with the same club and with unbroken service.[87] On 31 December 2009, Giggs was named the Manchester United Player of the Decade.[88]

2010–2014

 
Giggs playing for Manchester United in 2010

On 24 April 2010, Giggs scored the first ever league penalties of his career, netting two penalties in a 3–1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur.[89][90]

On 16 August 2010, Giggs kept up his record of scoring in every Premier League season since its inception as he netted United's third in their 3–0 home victory over Newcastle United in their opening fixture of the new campaign. As he found the net in the final two seasons of the old Football League First Division, he had now scored in 21 successive top division campaigns.[91] On 17 January 2011, Giggs reached 600 league appearances (all for Manchester United), as he played in their goalless draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane.[92] Giggs signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United on 18 February, keeping him at the club until June 2012.[93] On 6 March 2011, Giggs surpassed the Manchester United league appearance record of Bobby Charlton by playing his 607th game against Liverpool. On 26 April, against Schalke 04 in the Champions League semi-final first leg, Giggs scored the first goal from a Wayne Rooney pass, also making himself the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history to date.[94] Giggs also played in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final, where Manchester United were defeated 3–1 by Barcelona.[95]

Giggs made his first start of the 2011–12 season in the UEFA Champions League away at Benfica. He scored United's equalising goal in a 1–1 draw at the Estádio da Luz, in the process breaking his own record for the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history. He also became the first man ever to score in 16 different Champions League campaigns, moving clear of Raúl who was tied with Giggs on 15 seasons. Raúl though holds the record for scoring in 14 consecutive Champions League seasons. On 19 November, Giggs played in a league game in his home country of Wales for the first time in his distinguished career against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in a United 1–0 win. Giggs maintained his record of scoring in each of the past 22 top-flight seasons by scoring United's third goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage in a 5–0 win on 21 December, his first of the season in the league. On 10 February 2012, Giggs signed a one-year contract extension with Manchester United.[96]

 
Giggs playing against his hometown club, Cardiff City, for the first time in November 2013

On 26 February 2012, Giggs made his 900th appearance for Manchester United, in a 2–1 away win against Norwich City. He marked the occasion by scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute, scoring from a cross by Ashley Young.[97] After the match, Alex Ferguson told BBC Sport he believed that a player playing in 900 games for one club "won't be done again."[98] By March 2011, Giggs had played with more than 140 different players for the Manchester United first team.[99]

On 19 October 2012, Giggs (just over a month short of his 39th birthday) told The Daily Telegraph that he would like to move into management when he retires as a player. He also said that he was still undecided on whether he would still be playing after the current football season ends.[100]

Giggs scored his first Premier League goal of the 2012–13 season against Everton on 10 February 2013 in a 2–0 home win, extending his goalscoring sequence to 23 consecutive seasons in the highest division including all 21 Premier League seasons.[101][102]

He signed a new one-year contract with Manchester United on 1 March 2013, keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2014.[103][104] On 5 March, Giggs made his 1,000th competitive appearance in a 2–1 home loss to Real Madrid in the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League.[7] On 4 July, Giggs was appointed as player-coach by new manager David Moyes with immediate effect.[105][106] Giggs became interim player-manager when Moyes was sacked in April 2014.[107]

On 2 October, after coming off the substitute bench against Shakhtar Donetsk, Giggs became all-time leading appearance holder in the European competition, overtaking Raúl, an achievement he described as "special."[108][109] In November, Giggs celebrated his 40th birthday, leading to media outlets and football figures praising him for reaching the milestone while still an active professional footballer.[110][111][112][113][114]

Giggs announced his retirement from professional football on 19 May 2014 in an open letter to all Manchester United fans posted on the club website.[115][116] Upon retirement, Giggs received many plaudits for the achievements he earned throughout his career, and the longevity of it.[117][118][119][120][121]

International career

England Schoolboys

Born in Cardiff to Welsh parents, Giggs represented Wales at international level. As a youngster, Giggs captained England Schoolboys, but contrary to popular belief, he was never eligible for the senior England team (eligibility at the schoolboy level depends solely upon the location of the school, in Giggs' case Moorside High School in Salford).[122] In October 2009, new rules were introduced for the Home Nations' associations that would have enabled Giggs to represent England had he not already represented Wales in an official competition,[123] but Giggs has always maintained that he would have chosen to play for Wales anyway; he stated in 2002, "I'd rather go through my career without qualifying for a major championship than play for a country where I wasn't born or which my parents didn't have anything to do with".[124]

In his one year with the England Schoolboys team, Giggs played nine times, all as captain, winning seven matches and losing twice.[125] Among the wins was a 4–0 victory over his Welsh peers, many of whom he would play alongside when he made the step up to the Welsh youth team the following year.[126]

Wales

 
Giggs played for Wales 64 times, but never at a major international tournament.

In May 1991, Giggs made his debut for the Wales Under-21s, a 2–1 victory over Poland in Warsaw.[127] It would turn out to be his only appearance for the team, as he received a call-up to the senior team later that year.

Giggs made his international debut away to Germany in October 1991,[128] coming on as an 84th-minute substitute for Eric Young at the age of 17 years, 321 days to become the youngest player to appear for the Welsh senior team; he held this record until June 1998, when Ryan Green appeared against Malta at the age of 17 years, 226 days.[129] Wales were still in contention to qualify for UEFA Euro 1992 before the game, but a 4–1 victory for the Germans, who went on to win their remaining games against Belgium and Luxembourg, meant they qualified at Wales' expense.

Giggs' first senior goal for Wales came on 31 March 1993 in a 3–0 win over Belgium in Cardiff in a World Cup qualifying game, the same game in which Ian Rush scored for Wales for a record 24th time.[130]

After his international debut in 1991 against Germany, Giggs missed 18 consecutive friendly games before finally making his first friendly appearance for Wales against Finland in March 2000,[131] by which time he had already accrued 25 caps.[132] The reason for his continued absence from non-competitive fixtures was largely a protective measure against unnecessary injuries; in his autobiography, Giggs states: "At that time, whenever I played two games in one week I always seemed to pick up an injury, so [Alex Ferguson] and I sat down and looked at it game by game. If the international was a friendly, the feeling was that I didn't have to play."[133] Regardless, his regularly withdrawing from Wales squads and routinely missing friendlies was criticised.[134]

In a qualifier against England for the 2006 FIFA World Cup at Old Trafford where Wales lost 2–0, Giggs played against some present and former Manchester United teammates including David Beckham, Gary Neville, and Wayne Rooney.[135][136][137] During a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on 12 October 2005, Giggs scored a rare double in a 2–0 win, but Wales failed to reach the play-offs.[138]

In September 2006, he played in a friendly against Brazil at White Hart Lane where Wales lost 2–0. Brazil coach Dunga complimented Giggs' performance by stating he would not look out of place playing for the five-time world champions alongside stars such as Kaká and Ronaldinho.[139]

Giggs announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday, 30 May 2007, at a press conference held at The Vale of Glamorgan Hotel, drawing the curtain on a 16-year international career.[76] He cited concentrating on his United career as the main reason for stepping down. His final game for Wales, and as captain, was the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on 2 June at Cardiff. He earned his 64th cap in this game and won the Man of the Match award as Wales drew 0–0.[140] In November, he was one of three players in the final nomination by the FAW for the Wales Player of the Year award, which was ultimately won by Craig Bellamy.[141]

In an interview with the Western Mail on 26 March 2010, Giggs hinted that he might be tempted to come out of international retirement for his country's UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign, in order to cover for the injured Aaron Ramsey.[142] He later clarified his position to BBC Radio Manchester, saying that he would only return to Wales duty in an emergency.[143]

Great Britain

 
For the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, Great Britain entered a team for the first time in over 40 years, with Giggs as captain.

On 28 June 2012, Giggs was confirmed as one of the three over-age players selected for Great Britain to compete at 2012 Summer Olympics alongside Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards,[144] and he was subsequently named the team captain.[145]

He scored with a header against the United Arab Emirates in a 3–1 win on 29 July to become the oldest goalscorer in the football competition at the Summer Olympics at the age of 38 years and 243 days, beating an 88-year-old record that had been held by Egypt's Hussein Hegazi.[146][147] In addition, by featuring in the same match, he became the oldest outfield Olympic footballer.[148]

Managerial career

Manchester United

Giggs was appointed as a player-coach at Manchester United on 4 July 2013,[105] as part of the coaching staff under new manager David Moyes. When Moyes was sacked on 22 April 2014, after less than 10 months in the job, Giggs took over as the club's interim player-manager,[107] compiling a record of two wins, a draw and a defeat in the final four games of the 2013–14 season.[149] After his final match in charge, a 1–1 draw with Southampton, Giggs admitted to breaking down in tears, in part due to the pressure of managing United, and also said he had struggled to sleep during the period.[150][151] When Louis van Gaal was announced as Moyes' permanent replacement on 19 May 2014, Giggs was also appointed as Van Gaal's assistant manager.[152]

Giggs was praised for giving debuts to youngsters James Wilson and Tom Lawrence in a 3–1 victory over Hull City, a game in which he brought himself on as a substitute for Lawrence.[153][154][155][156]

Giggs was suggested by many – including Louis van Gaal – as the Dutchman's potential successor at Manchester United.[157][158] However, following the appointment of Portuguese coach José Mourinho, Giggs announced his departure from the club on 2 July 2016.[159]

Wales

A short video of Giggs on the 70th birthday of the NHS

Giggs was appointed manager of the Wales national team on 15 January 2018 on a four-year contract, succeeding Chris Coleman, who had left the role to take up the manager's position at Sunderland the previous November.[11] His first match in charge was in a 6–0 win over China during the 2018 China Cup, where Gareth Bale broke the all-time scoring record previously held by Ian Rush.[160] Later that year, Wales participated in the UEFA Nations League, finishing behind Denmark with six points.[161] In 2019, Wales had a slow start to their qualifying group, only accruing three points from three matches.[162] However, they went unbeaten for the rest of the year, culminating in a 2–0 win over Hungary and securing qualification for UEFA Euro 2020.[12] The resulting tournament was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the next time that Giggs would manage the national team was behind closed doors during the UEFA Nations League campaign.[163] His final match in charge was a 1–0 win over Bulgaria.[164]

On 3 November 2020, and following Giggs' arrest on assault charges, his assistant manager Rob Page became the caretaker manager.[13] On 20 June 2022, it was announced that Giggs would step down from his position due to his upcoming trial.[14]

Player profile

Style of play

This is embarrassing to say but I have cried twice in my life watching a football player. The first one was Maradona and the second was Ryan Giggs.[35]

Alessandro Del Piero

A skilful and dynamic left-footed midfielder, Giggs usually played as a traditional out-and-out left-sided midfielder, who would take on opposing defenders, although he was a versatile player, who was capable of playing on either flank, as well as in several other positions; throughout his career he was also fielded in various offensive roles, as a left or right-sided winger or outside forward in an attacking trident, as an attacking midfielder, as a deep-lying forward, or even as a striker. In the later stages of his career, as his pace and athleticism declined, he was often used as a defensive or central midfielder, or as a deep-lying playmaker; he was even deployed as a full-back on occasion. A quick and technically gifted player, in his prime, his main traits were his speed, acceleration, strength, ball control, flair, dribbling skills, and trickery in possession, as well as his vision; he also was able to refine his crossing and passing ability as his career progressed, which made him an excellent assist provider, and saw him take on more of a playmaking role for his team in later years, which enabled him to dictate play in midfield and create chances for teammates, in addition to scoring goals himself. A fast and energetic player, he also drew praise in the media for his tactical intelligence, movement, stamina, work-rate, and consistency; furthermore, he was an accurate free kick taker. In addition to his footballing skills, Giggs also stood out for his leadership and longevity throughout his career.[nb 1]

Discipline

Giggs was never sent off in his 24-season playing career for Manchester United and was only once sent off when playing for Wales, on 5 September 2001 in a World Cup qualifier against Norway;[175] Giggs received a second yellow card in the 86th minute.[176] In November 2003, he was found guilty of improper conduct by the FA due to his behaviour during the Battle of Old Trafford game against Arsenal (one of two United and six Arsenal players charged over the incident);[177] Giggs received a £7,500 fine but avoided suspension.[178] In the same week, Giggs received a two-match suspension from international football for deliberately elbowing Russian player Vadim Evseev in the face during the first leg of the Euro 2004 play-offs.[179] The offence was missed by referee Lucílio Batista, but Giggs was later charged using video evidence.[179]

Endorsements and public image

Giggs featured in advertisements for Reebok, ITV Digital, Kagome tomato juice, Quorn and Celcom. A 1996 Reebok advertisement, which did not feature him, included figures such as Sting, Tom Jones, Richard Attenborough and George Best impersonating him.[180]

According to an article by BBC Sport: "In the early 1990s, Giggs was David Beckham before Beckham was even holding down a place in the United first team. If you put his face on the cover of a football magazine, it guaranteed you the biggest sales of the year. Why? Men would buy it to read about 'the new Best' and girls bought it because they wanted his face all over their bedroom walls. Giggs had the million-pound boot deal (Reebok), the lucrative sponsorship deals in the Far East (Fuji) and the celebrity girlfriends (Dani Behr, Davinia Taylor) at a time when Beckham was being sent on loan to Preston North End."[181]

Giggs features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series, and was selected to appear on the cover of FIFA Football 2003 alongside Dutch international midfielder Edgar Davids, and Brazilian international fullback Roberto Carlos.[182] Giggs was included in the FIFA 16 and 17 Ultimate Team Legends.[183]

Personal life

Family

Giggs is the son of former rugby union and Wales international rugby league footballer Danny Wilson.[184] Giggs was christened Ryan Joseph Wilson but as a teenager changed his surname to that of his mother after his parents separated.[184] Giggs is said to have inherited his balance and athleticism from his father.[184] He is a distant cousin of the Barbados international footballer Curtis Hutson.[185]

Giggs married his long-time partner, Stacey Cooke, in a private ceremony on 7 September 2007.[186] They have two children, both born in Salford, and lived in Worsley, Greater Manchester, close to where the player grew up.[187] Giggs and Cooke divorced in 2017.[188] His son Zach Giggs is also a footballer.[189]

Giggs conducted an eight-year affair with his brother Rhodri's wife, Natasha. The affair resulted in members of Giggs' family repudiating their former ties to Ryan; after Ryan was appointed as manager of the Wales national team, his father Danny said he was "ashamed" of him and that "I can't even bring myself to use his name".[190]

Activism

In August 2006, Giggs became an ambassador for UNICEF UK, in recognition for his work with Manchester United's 'United for UNICEF' partnership with the children's organisation.[191] Giggs visited UNICEF projects in Thailand and told the BBC: "As a footballer I can't imagine life without the use of one of my legs... Sadly this is exactly what happens to thousands of children every year when they accidentally step on a landmine."[192]

Post-playing career

In October 2010, Giggs said he would "probably finish [his] career here [Old Trafford]," and that he could not see himself "dropping down leagues and playing at a lesser level." He said he wanted to go into coaching, describing the management of Manchester United or Wales as "the two ultimate jobs," and stating that he was halfway through his UEFA 'A' coaching licence.[193]

Gary Neville, ahead of his 2011 testimonial, said he would put the proceeds towards a supporters club and hotel near Old Trafford.[194][195] Trafford Council approved the hotel in 2012 despite objections from Manchester United.[196] In 2013, Giggs and Neville launched a hospitality company named GG Hospitality,[197] with plans to build football-themed hotels and cafés around the United Kingdom, initially in Manchester and London.[198][199][200] The first operation was a football-themed restaurant named Café Football in Stratford, London, which opened in November 2013,[201] with Hotel Football, previously under the guise of the supporters club Neville announced in 2011, scheduled to be opened in late 2014.[202]

In 2014, it was announced that Giggs, along with former Manchester United players Gary Neville, Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and Phil Neville, had agreed a deal to purchase Salford City ahead of the 2014–15 season.[203][204] with plans to get the club to the Football League.[205] The group announced they would take part in a special friendly, with Salford facing a Class of '92 team.[206][207] On 22 September, the group agreed to sell a 50% stake in the club to billionaire Peter Lim.[208][209]

In September 2017, along with former United teammates including Gary Neville, Giggs proposed a university in Greater Manchester, named University Academy 92 which would offer "broader courses than traditional degrees" and attract students who "otherwise might not go on to higher education".[210][needs update]

In November 2017, it was reported that Giggs had signed a consultancy deal with the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents FC (PVF). The two-year deal would involve making two trips per year to Vietnam.[211]

Gagging order

See also: 2011 British privacy injunctions controversy

In May 2011, it was reported in non-UK media sources that Giggs was the identity of CTB in CTB v News Group Newspapers,[212] a footballer who had obtained an anonymised gagging order in relation to an alleged extra-marital affair with model Imogen Thomas. Giggs took legal action against the social networking site Twitter after he was named by a user in a list of identities of individuals who had allegedly taken out so-called "super-injunctions".[213] A blogger for Forbes magazine remarked that Giggs had "not heard of the Streisand effect," observing that mentions of his name had increased significantly after the case against Twitter had been reported.[214]

On 22 May 2011, the Sunday Herald, a Scottish newspaper, published a thinly-disguised photograph of Giggs on its front page, with the word "CENSORED" covering his eyes.[215][216] Sunday Herald editor Richard Walker stated that the London High Court ruling had no force in Scotland, unless copies of the paper were sold in England or Wales.[217] On 23 May, the gagging order set off a political controversy, with Prime Minister David Cameron commenting that the law should be reviewed to "catch up with how people consume media today".[218] On the same day, Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming used parliamentary privilege to name Giggs as CTB.[219][220]

Arrest and trial

On 3 November 2020, Giggs was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault against his ex-girlfriend, Kate Greville, and her younger sister, Emma.[221] He denied the charges against him.[222]

In April 2021, he was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to Kate Greville and common assault against Emma Greville, as well as coercive and controlling behaviour against Kate.[223] On 28 April, he appeared in court, where he denied the charges.[224]

His trial began on 8 August 2022.[225] The jury of seven women and four men was discharged on 31 August, having been unable to reach a verdict on any of the charges.[226] On 18 July 2023, two weeks before he was due to face a retrial, Giggs was cleared as the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew charges. The prosecutor said that Kate Greville was unwilling to give evidence in the retrial.[227]

Career statistics

Club

Club appearances and goals by season by competition[228]
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other[nb 2] Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester United 1990–91 First Division 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1
1991–92 First Division 38 4 3 0 8 3 1 0 1 0 51 7
1992–93 Premier League 41 9 2 2 2 0 1 0 – 46 11
1993–94 Premier League 38 13 7 1 8 3 4 0 1 0 58 17
1994–95 Premier League 29 1 7 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 40 4
1995–96 Premier League 33 11 7 1 2 0 2 0 – 44 12
1996–97 Premier League 26 3 3 0 0 0 7 2 1 0 37 5
1997–98 Premier League 29 8 2 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 37 9
1998–99 Premier League 24 3 6 2 1 0 9 5 1 0 41 10
1999–2000 Premier League 30 6 – 0 0 11 1 3 0 44 7
2000–01 Premier League 31 5 2 0 0 0 11 2 1 0 45 7
2001–02 Premier League 25 7 1 0 0 0 13 2 1 0 40 9
2002–03 Premier League 36 8 3 2 5 0 15 4 – 59 14
2003–04 Premier League 33 7 5 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 47 8
2004–05 Premier League 32 5 4 0 1 1 6 2 1 0 44 8
2005–06 Premier League 27 3 2 1 3 0 5 1 – 37 5
2006–07 Premier League 30 4 6 0 0 0 8 2 – 44 6
2007–08 Premier League 31 3 2 0 0 0 9 0 1 1 43 4
2008–09 Premier League 28 2 2 0 4 1 11 1 2 0 47 4
2009–10 Premier League 25 5 1 0 2 1 3 1 1 0 32 7
2010–11 Premier League 25 2 3 1 1 0 8 1 1 0 38 4
2011–12 Premier League 25 2 2 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 33 4
2012–13 Premier League 22 2 4 1 1 2 5 0 – 32 5
2013–14 Premier League 12 0 0 0 2 0 7 0 1 0 22 0
Total 672 114 74 12 41 12 157 29 19 1 963 168

International

Appearances and goals by national team and year[140][229]

Team Year Apps Goals
Wales 1991 2 0
1992 3 0
1993 6 2
1994 1 1
1995 3 0
1996 3 1
1997 3 1
1998 1 0
1999 3 1
2000 4 1
2001 5 0
2002 5 0
2003 7 1
2004 3 0
2005 6 3
2006 5 0
2007 4 1
Total 64 12
Great Britain Olympic team 2012 4 1
Total 4 1

International goals

Scores and results list Wales / Great Britain goal tally first. The score column indicates the score after each Giggs goal.
Ryan Giggs – goals for Wales[229]
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 31 March 1993 Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales   Belgium 1–0 2–0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 8 September 1993 Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales   RCS 1–1 2–2 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 7 September 1994 Cardiff Arms Park, Cardiff, Wales   Albania 2–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 1996 qualification
4 2 June 1996 San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino   San Marino 4–0 5–0 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 11 October 1997 King Baudouin Stadium, Brussels, Belgium   Belgium 2–3 2–3 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 4 September 1999 Dinamo Stadium, Minsk, Belarus   Belarus 2–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification
7 29 March 2000 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales   Finland 1–2 1–2 Friendly
8 29 March 2003 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales   Azerbaijan 4–0 4–0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification
9 8 October 2005 Windsor Park, Belfast, Northern Ireland   Northern Ireland 3–2 3–2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 12 October 2005 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales   Azerbaijan 1–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 2–0
12 28 March 2007 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales   San Marino 1–0 3–0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualification
Ryan Giggs – goals for the Great Britain Olympic team
No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 29 July 2012 Wembley Stadium, London, UK   United Arab Emirates 1–0 3–1 2012 Summer Olympics

Managerial record

As of match played 30 March 2021
Team From To Record
G W D L Win % Ref.
Manchester United (interim) 22 April 2014[107] 11 May 2014 4 2 1 1 050.00 [230]
Wales 15 January 2018[231] 3 November 2020[232] 25 12 5 8 048.00 [230][failed verification]
Total 29 14 6 9 048.28

Honours

Manchester United[233]

 
Ryan Giggs with the Premier League trophy in 2008

Individual

Records

  • Has won a record 13 top division English league titles as a player, and only Manchester United player to have winner's medals from all 13 Premier League title wins.
  • Most Premier League appearances for a player, with 632[247] (since surpassed by Gareth Barry).
  • Most Premier League assists for a player, with 162.[247]
  • Only player to have played in 22 successive Premier League seasons.
  • Only player to have scored in 21 successive Premier League seasons.
  • Only player to have scored in 17 different Champions League tournaments (includes 11 consecutive tournaments, 1996–97 to 2006–07; Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have a better record with 17)
  • Most goals by a British player in the Champions League/European Cup proper history, and 14th overall (not including preliminary rounds).[248]
  • Most appearances by a Manchester United player.
  • Most starts by a Manchester United player, started in 794 games.
  • First player to score 100 Premier League goals for Manchester United.
  • Second midfielder to have scored 100 goals in the Premier League for a single club (first being Matt Le Tissier).
  • One of four Manchester United players to win two Champions League titles (others are Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Wes Brown).
  • Oldest (37 years, 289 days) player to score in the Champions League, when he scored against Benfica on 14 September 2011.[94]
  • One of two Manchester United players to win at least 10 top division medals (the other one is Paul Scholes.)
  • Oldest (38 years, 243 days) player to score in the Football competition at the Summer Olympics, when he scored against United Arab Emirates on 29 July 2012.

State and civic honours

See also

Notes

  1. ^ See[110][35][165][166][167][168][169][170][171][172][173][174]
  2. ^ Includes other competitive competitions, including the FA Community Shield, UEFA Super Cup, Intercontinental Cup, FIFA Club World Cup

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General sources

External links

 
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ryan Giggs.
  • – FIFA competition record (archived)
  • Ryan Giggs at Soccerbase  
  • Profile at ManUtd.com
  • Ryan Giggs at IMDb
  • Ryan Giggs collected news and commentary at The Guardian  

February 15, 2024
ryan, giggs, ryan, joseph, giggs, wilson, born, november, 1973, welsh, football, coach, former, player, owner, salford, city, regarded, greatest, players, generation, giggs, spent, entire, professional, career, manchester, united, where, also, served, club, in. Ryan Joseph Giggs OBE ne Wilson born 29 November 1973 3 is a Welsh football coach former player and co owner of Salford City Regarded as one of the greatest players of his generation 4 5 Giggs spent his entire professional career at Manchester United where he also served as the club s interim player manager and assistant manager He is one of the most decorated footballers of all time and is one of only 44 players to have made over 1 000 career appearances 6 7 8 Ryan GiggsOBEGiggs with Manchester United in 2015Personal informationFull nameRyan Joseph Giggs 1 Birth nameRyan Joseph WilsonDate of birth 1973 11 29 29 November 1973 age 50 Place of birthCanton Cardiff WalesHeight5 ft 10 in 1 79 m 2 Position s Wide midfielderYouth career1985 1987Manchester City1987 1990Manchester UnitedSenior career YearsTeamApps Gls 1990 2014Manchester United672 114 Total672 114 International career1989England U161 1 1989Wales U183 0 1991Wales U211 0 1991 2007Wales64 12 2012Great Britain4 1 Managerial career2014Manchester United interim 2014 2016Manchester United assistant 2018 2022Wales Club domestic league appearances and goalsThe son of rugby union and Wales international rugby league footballer Danny Wilson Giggs was born in Cardiff but moved to Manchester at the age of six when his father joined Swinton RLFC Predominantly a left midfielder he began his career with Manchester City but joined Manchester United on his 14th birthday in 1987 He made his professional debut for the club in 1991 and spent the next 23 years in the first team He retired from playing with the end of the 2013 14 season holding the club record for competitive appearances 963 Towards the end of the 2013 14 season he became the club s interim player manager following the sacking of David Moyes He was assistant manager under Moyes permanent replacement Louis van Gaal Giggs left United in July 2016 following the appointment of Jose Mourinho 9 During his time at United he won 13 Premier League winner s medals more than any other player in history four FA Cup winner s medals three League Cup winner s medals two UEFA Champions League winner s medals a FIFA Club World Cup winners medal an Intercontinental Cup winner s medal a UEFA Super Cup winner s medal and nine FA Community Shield winner s medals Manchester United and Liverpool are the only clubs in English football history to have won more league championships than Giggs 10 At international level Giggs played for the Wales national team 64 times between 1991 and 2007 and captained the Great Britain team that competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics He became the new manager of the Wales national team in January 2018 11 Giggs led Wales to qualification for UEFA Euro 2020 12 He did not manage the team at the tournament however which was delayed due to the COVID 19 pandemic as he was arrested on suspicion of assault His assistant manager Rob Page took charge in his absence 13 Giggs resigned in June 2022 and Page was named as his successor 14 Giggs was the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards 1992 and 1993 though he did not win the PFA Player of the Year award until 2009 He was the only player to play in each of the first 22 seasons of the Premier League as well as the only player to score in each of the first 21 seasons He was elected into the PFA Team of the Century in 2007 the Premier League Team of the Decade in 2003 and the FA Cup Team of the Century He holds the record for the most assists in Premier League history with 162 and the most assists in UEFA Champions League history with 41 15 He was named as BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2009 and was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire OBE in the 2007 Birthday Honours for his services to football 16 Contents 1 Early years 2 Manchester United 2 1 1990 1995 Debut and early career 2 2 1995 2000 2 3 2000 2005 2 4 2005 2010 2 5 2010 2014 3 International career 3 1 England Schoolboys 3 2 Wales 3 3 Great Britain 4 Managerial career 4 1 Manchester United 4 2 Wales 5 Player profile 5 1 Style of play 5 2 Discipline 6 Endorsements and public image 7 Personal life 7 1 Family 7 2 Activism 7 3 Post playing career 7 4 Gagging order 7 5 Arrest and trial 8 Career statistics 8 1 Club 8 2 International 8 3 Managerial record 9 Honours 10 See also 11 Notes 12 References 13 External linksEarly yearsGiggs was born at St David s Hospital in Canton Cardiff to Danny Wilson a rugby union player for Cardiff RFC and Lynne Giggs now Lynne Johnson Giggs is mixed race his paternal grandfather is from Sierra Leone and has spoken of the racism he faced as a child 17 As a child Giggs grew up in Ely a suburb of western Cardiff His younger brother Rhodri is a former manager of EFL League Two club Salford City 18 He spent much time with his mother s parents and playing football and rugby league on the roads outside their house in Pentrebane In 1980 when Giggs was six years old his father switched from rugby union to rugby league and signed for Swinton RLFC forcing the whole family to move north to Swinton a town in Salford Greater Manchester The move was a traumatic one as Giggs was very close to his grandparents in Cardiff but he would often return there with his family at weekends or on school holidays After moving to Salford Giggs appeared for the local team Deans FC who were coached by Manchester City scout Dennis Schofield Schofield recommended Giggs to Manchester City and he was signed up to their School of Excellence 19 Meanwhile Giggs continued to play for Salford Boys who went on to reach the final of the Granada Schools Cup competition at Anfield in 1987 Giggs captained the Salford team to victory over their Blackburn counterparts was man of the match and the trophy was presented to him by Liverpool chief scout Ron Yeats 20 Giggs also played rugby league at schoolboy level 21 While playing for Deans Giggs was observed regularly by local newsagent and Old Trafford steward Harold Wood Wood spoke personally to Alex Ferguson who sent a scout and Giggs was eventually offered a trial over the 1986 Christmas period Giggs played in a match for Salford Boys against a United Under 15s side at The Cliff and scored a hat trick with Ferguson watching from his office window On 29 November 1987 his 14th birthday Ferguson turned up at Giggs house with United scout Joe Brown and offered him two years on associate schoolboy forms They offered to waive YTS forms and persuaded Giggs to sign by offering the opportunity to turn professional in three years Using the name Ryan Wilson Giggs captained England at schoolboy level playing at Wembley Stadium against Germany in 1989 22 He changed his surname to that of his mother at the age of 16 when his mother remarried two years after his parents separation 23 Manchester United1990 1995 Debut and early career Giggs was offered his first professional contract on 29 November 1990 his 17th birthday He accepted the contract and became a professional two days later 1 December 1990 At this time United had recently won the FA Cup their first major trophy since the appointment of Alex Ferguson as manager in November 1986 After two seasons in the league where they had finished mid table they were finally starting to threaten the dominance of Liverpool and Arsenal though they only managed to finish sixth that season Ferguson s quest for a successful left winger had not been an easy one since the departure of Jesper Olsen two years earlier he had initially signed Ralph Milne but the player was not a success at United and lasted just one season in the first team before Ferguson secured the Southampton winger Danny Wallace in September 1989 Wallace had failed to shine at Old Trafford and by the time Giggs turned professional Wallace was contending with 19 year old Lee Sharpe for the role of first choice left winger citation needed Giggs made his League debut against Everton at Old Trafford on 2 March 1991 as a substitute for the injured full back Denis Irwin in a 2 0 defeat 7 In his first full start Giggs was credited with his first ever goal in a 1 0 win in the Manchester derby on 4 May 1991 though it appeared to be a Colin Hendry own goal However he was not included in the squad of 16 that defeated Barcelona in the UEFA Cup Winners Cup final 11 days later Lee Sharpe who had won the race to displace Danny Wallace took to the field as United s left winger while Wallace was selected as a substitute Giggs became a first team regular early in the 1991 92 season yet remained active with the youth system and captained the team made up of many of Fergie s Fledglings to an FA Youth Cup triumph in 1992 citation needed Giggs paved the way as the first of many Manchester United youth players to rise into the first team under Ferguson but as the youngest member of the United first team squad Giggs looked to the older players such as Bryan Robson for advice Robson recommended that Giggs sign up with Harry Swales the agent that he himself had inherited from Kevin Keegan 24 That season Giggs played in the team that finished as runners up to Leeds United in the final year of the old First Division before the advent of the Premier League United had led the table for much of the season before a run of dismal results in April saw them overtaken by the West Yorkshire side Giggs collected his first piece of silverware on 12 April 1992 as United defeated Nottingham Forest in the League Cup Final after Giggs had set up Brian McClair to score the only goal of the game In the semi final he had scored the winning goal against Middlesbrough 25 At the end of the season he was voted PFA Young Player of the Year the award which had been credited to his colleague Lee Sharpe a year earlier citation needed By the start of the 1992 93 season the first season of the newly formed Premier League Giggs had ousted Sharpe to become United s first choice left winger He was recognised as one of English football s two best emerging young wingers alongside Steve McManaman 26 who were notable for being a throwback to the Stanley Matthews era of the 1950s winger 27 Giggs helped United to their first top division title win for 26 years His emergence and the arrival of Eric Cantona heralded the dominance of United in the Premier League Ferguson was protective of him refusing to allow Giggs to be interviewed until he turned 20 eventually granting the first interview to the BBC s Des Lynam for Match of the Day in the 1993 94 season citation needed United won the double that season and Giggs was one of their key players alongside the likes of Cantona Paul Ince and Mark Hughes Giggs also played for United in the Football League Cup final where they lost 3 1 to Aston Villa Off the pitch newspapers claimed Giggs had single handedly revolutionised football s image when he appeared as a teenager with pace to burn a bramble patch of black hair bouncing around his puppy popstar face and a dazzling gluey relationship between his impossibly fleet left foot and a football 28 As a result of this he was afforded many opportunities not normally offered to footballers at his young age such as hosting his television show Ryan Giggs Soccer Skills which aired in 1994 and also had a book based on the series Giggs was part of the Premier League s attempt to market itself globally and he featured on countless football and lad mag covers becoming a household name and fuelling the era where footballers started to become celebrity idols on a par with pop stars 29 in and around the mid to late 1990s Despite his aversion to attention Giggs also became a teenage pin up and was once described as the Premiership s First Poster Boy 30 and the boy wonder 31 He was hailed as the first football star to capture the public imagination in a way unseen since the days of George Best 32 the irony was that Best and Bobby Charlton used to describe Giggs as their favourite young player turning up at The Cliff training ground just to watch him Best once quipped One day they might even say that I was another Ryan Giggs 32 At the end of the 1993 94 season Giggs won a second title in a row and became the first player in history to win two consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards a feat equalled by Robbie Fowler Wayne Rooney and Dele Alli 33 Giggs proved to be a scorer of great goals with many of them being shortlisted for various Goal of the Season awards Widely regarded as among his best were those against Queens Park Rangers in 1994 Tottenham in 1994 Everton in 1995 Coventry in 1996 and his solo effort against Arsenal in the replay of the 1999 FA Cup semi final citation needed During extra time Giggs picked up possession after Patrick Vieira gave the ball away then ran from his own half dribbled past the whole Arsenal back line including Tony Adams Lee Dixon and Martin Keown before launching his left footed strike just under David Seaman s bar and beyond his reach He famously whipped off his shirt during his goal celebration as he ran over to his teammates It also has the distinction of being the last ever goal scored in an FA Cup semi final replay as from the following season the FA Cup semi finals are decided in a single game with extra time and a penalty shootout if required 34 1995 2000 1994 95 saw Giggs restricted through injury to 29 Premier League games and only 1 goal Later in the season he recovered his form and fitness though it was too late to help United to any major trophies A failure to beat West Ham United on the final day of the season saw them lose the Premier League title to Blackburn Rovers A week later Giggs came on as a substitute in the FA Cup final against Everton but United lost 1 0 On a more positive side in the 1994 95 season Giggs did get on the scoresheet twice in the opening Champions League game against IFK Goteborg a 4 2 win although United ultimately failed to progress to the quarter finals and also managed a goal in the FA Cup fourth round victory over Wrexham meaning that he had managed four goals in all competitions that season In 1995 96 Giggs returned to full form and played a vital part in United s unique second double with his goal against Everton at Goodison Park on 9 September 1995 being shortlisted for the goal of the season award though it was eventually beaten by a goal by Manchester City s Georgi Kinkladze In November that season Giggs scored two goals in a Premier League match against Southampton where United won 4 1 to keep up the pressure on a Newcastle United side who actually went ten points clear on 23 December but were finally overhauled by United in mid March Giggs was also in the side for United s FA Cup final win over Liverpool on 11 May 1996 though Eric Cantona scored the only goal of the game By now Giggs had several new key colleagues in youngsters Gary Neville Phil Neville Nicky Butt David Beckham and Paul Scholes Beckham took over from Andrei Kanchelskis on the right wing and Butt succeeded Paul Ince in central midfield to complete a new look United midfield along with Giggs and Roy Keane citation needed The following season Giggs had his first real chance to shine in Europe Having played a key role in United winning their third league title in four seasons he helped them reach the UEFA Champions League semi finals the first United side in 28 years to achieve this However their hopes of European glory were ended by Borussia Dortmund who edged them out by winning each leg of the semi final 1 0 At the end of this season Juventus Alessandro Del Piero told Italian media that Giggs was one of his two favourite players 35 In 1997 98 United were pipped to the Premier League title by Arsenal following a dismal run of form in March and early April leaving them without a trophy for only the second time since 1989 The following season Giggs missed a lot of games through injury but when he was fit his form was excellent and he played in both of United s cup finals that season Memorable moments were his extra time goal in the FA Cup semi final against arch rivals Arsenal giving United a 2 1 win 36 and his 90th minute equaliser in the home leg of the UEFA Champions League semi final against Juventus The highpoint in the 1998 99 season was when Giggs set up the equalising goal scored by Teddy Sheringham in the 1999 UEFA Champions League Final that set United on their way to the Treble Giggs was also the Man of the Match as United beat Palmeiras 1 0 to claim the Intercontinental Cup later that year 37 2000 2005 Giggs became United s longest serving player when Denis Irwin left in May 2002 and he became a pivotal part of the club despite still being in his 20s Giggs continued to excel in the four years that followed the Treble triumph of 1999 United were Premier League champions in three of the four seasons following the treble as well as reaching the UEFA Champions League quarter finals three times and the semi finals once In April 2001 he signed a new five year contract 38 Giggs celebrated his 10 year anniversary at Old Trafford with a testimonial match against Celtic at the start of the 2001 02 campaign losing 4 3 in a game featuring a cameo by Eric Cantona 39 40 However this was one of the most disappointing seasons United had endured since Giggs made his debut as a dismal run of form in early winter ultimately cost them the league title and they were surprisingly knocked out of the Champions League on away goals in the semi finals by German underdogs Bayer Leverkusen A year later on 23 August 2002 he bagged his 100th career goal in a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge 41 The 2002 03 season was one to forget for Giggs He was forced to defend his poor form insisting that he was not finished 42 43 This dip in form included being booed off the pitch in the 74th minute of a 1 1 semi final first leg draw at home to Blackburn Rovers in the League Cup on 7 January 44 45 and an open goal miss during a 2 0 defeat against Arsenal in the FA Cup on 16 February that was described as the worst of his career and prompted chants by the Arsenal fans of Give it to Giggsy 46 47 A week later on 24 February Manchester United chief executive Peter Kenyon refused to rule out the possibility of Giggs leaving Old Trafford saying It s too soon to say whether we would even consider a bid and all we want to do at the moment is concentrate on this season It was further claimed that a rift in the dressing room was contributing towards Giggs possible departure 48 However the following day Giggs played one of his most memorable games in a 3 0 victory against Juventus After coming on as a substitute for Diego Forlan in the eighth minute Giggs scored twice 49 50 including a goal that would later be heralded as one of his greatest goals and one of his finest Champions League moments 51 52 After speculation throughout the season that Giggs was close to joining Italian club Inter Milan possibly with Brazilian striker Adriano as a makeweight 45 53 54 Giggs quashed the rumours by saying he was happy at United 45 55 He played in his fourth FA Cup triumph on 22 May 2004 making him one of only two players the other being Roy Keane to have won the trophy four times while playing for Manchester United He has also finished with a runners up medal three times 1995 2005 and 2007 His participation in the victory over Liverpool in September 2004 made him the third player to play 600 games for United alongside Sir Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes He was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2005 in recognition of his contribution to the English game 56 In 2005 Giggs form had improved and was no longer suffering with the hamstring injuries which had plagued his career 57 which he attributed to taking up yoga 58 2005 2010 nbsp As his career progressed Giggs abandoned his position on the left wing for a more central role Giggs signed a two year contract extension with United when chief executive David Gill relented on his normal policy of not signing players over 30 to contracts longer than one year Giggs benefited from being largely injury free aside from a series of hamstring problems Giggs scored his first goal of the 2006 07 season in a 2 1 victory over Watford on 26 August 2006 with his goal proving to be the winner 59 Giggs scored the winner in United s next game a 1 0 home victory over Tottenham Hotspur on 9 September scoring a header in the eighth minute 60 Giggs provided a goal and an assist in the final Champions League group game against Benfica on 6 December with his free kick being converted by Nemanja Vidic before Giggs headed in a Cristiano Ronaldo cross 61 In February 2007 Giggs scored the final three goals of his season He scored the final goal in a 4 0 away win against Tottenham on 4 February which put United six points clear of Chelsea 62 On 20 February Giggs scored the winning goal against Lille in the UEFA Champions League with a quickly taken free kick that caused the Lille players to walk off the pitch in protest 63 Giggs later said he was amazed by the situation as no rule had been broken 64 On 24 February Giggs scored the equalising goal against Fulham in a game which United went on to win via a late Cristiano Ronaldo winner to go nine points clear of Chelsea 65 On 6 May 2007 with Chelsea only able to manage a 1 1 draw with London rivals Arsenal Manchester United became the champions of England In doing so Giggs set a new record of nine league titles beating the previous record of eight he shared with Alan Hansen and Phil Neal who won all of their titles with Liverpool 66 In the 2007 FA Cup Final Giggs had a goal ruled out in the 14th minute of extra time after referee Steve Bennett deemed him to have fouled goalkeeper Petr Cech in forcing the ball across the line 67 Giggs played a starring role in United s 2007 FA Community Shield victory after netting in the first half to bring the game to a 1 1 draw which led to penalty triumph for the Red Devils after keeper Edwin van der Sar saved all of Chelsea s first three penalties the goal was Giggs first professional goal at Wembley Stadium 68 69 nbsp Seen here after the Munich air disaster 50th anniversary match against Manchester City in February 2008 Giggs has made more appearances in the Manchester derby than any other player In the 2007 08 season Alex Ferguson adopted a rotation system between Giggs and newcomers Nani and Anderson 70 Giggs scored his 100th league goal for United against Derby County on 8 December 2007 which United won 4 1 71 More landmarks have been achieved on 20 February 2008 he made his 100th appearance in the UEFA Champions League in a game against Lyon 72 and on 11 May 2008 he came on as a substitute for Park Ji sung to equal Sir Bobby Charlton s record of 758 appearances for United 73 Giggs scored the second goal in that match sealing his and United s 10th Premier League title Ten days later on 21 May 2008 Giggs broke Bobby Charlton s appearance record for United when coming on as an 87th minute substitute for Paul Scholes in the UEFA Champions League Final against Chelsea 74 United won the final defeating Chelsea 6 5 on penalties after a 1 1 draw after extra time with Giggs converting the winning penalty in sudden death At the start of Manchester United s 2008 09 campaign Sir Alex Ferguson began placing Giggs at central midfield behind the forwards instead of his favoured wing position Sir Alex Ferguson said in an interview Giggs is a very valuable player he will be 35 this November but at 35 he can be United s key player At 25 Ryan would shatter defenders with his run down the flank but at 35 he will play deeper 75 Giggs has begun taking his coaching badges and Ferguson has hinted that he would like Giggs to serve as his coaching staff after retirement like Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did 76 nbsp Giggs has played in the UEFA Champions League over 100 times Following speculation earlier in the year 77 in February 2009 Giggs signed a one year extension to his current contract which was due to expire in June 2009 78 After a successful season Giggs was short listed along with four other Manchester United teammates for the PFA Player of the Year 79 On 26 April 2009 Giggs received the award despite having started just 12 games throughout the 2008 09 season at the time of receiving the trophy This was the first time in his career that Giggs had received the award 80 Prior to the awards ceremony Alex Ferguson had given his backing for Giggs to win the award and stated that it would be fitting given Giggs long term contribution to the game 81 Giggs made his 800th appearance for Manchester United on 29 April 2009 in the 1 0 semi final win over Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League 82 On 16 May 2009 Manchester United won the Premier League after a 0 0 draw against Arsenal both United s and Giggs 11th Premier League titles Giggs scored his first Manchester United hat trick in a pre season friendly against Hangzhou Greentown after coming on as a second half substitute 83 nbsp Giggs before a corner kick against Everton at Old Trafford in 2009On 12 September 2009 Giggs made his 700th start for United 84 Giggs scored his 150th goal for United only the ninth player to do so for the club against Wolfsburg in his first UEFA Champions League game of the season On 28 November 2009 the eve of his 36th birthday Giggs scored his 100th Premier League goal all for Manchester United scoring the final goal in a 4 1 victory over Portsmouth at Fratton Park and becoming only the 17th player to reach the milestone in the Premier League 85 On 30 November 2009 the day after his 36th birthday it was reported that Giggs would be offered an additional one year contract which would run until the end of the 2010 11 season and see him past the 20th anniversary of his first game and first goal for United On the same day Giggs was nominated for BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009 which he subsequently won 86 On 12 December 2009 Giggs surpassed countryman Gary Speed s outfield record of 535 Premier League games On 18 December 2009 Giggs signed a one year contract extension with United keeping him at the club until June 2011 taking him past the 20th anniversary of his first professional contract and that of his first team debut a rare occurrence of a player reaching the 20 year mark with the same club and with unbroken service 87 On 31 December 2009 Giggs was named the Manchester United Player of the Decade 88 2010 2014 nbsp Giggs playing for Manchester United in 2010On 24 April 2010 Giggs scored the first ever league penalties of his career netting two penalties in a 3 1 home win over Tottenham Hotspur 89 90 On 16 August 2010 Giggs kept up his record of scoring in every Premier League season since its inception as he netted United s third in their 3 0 home victory over Newcastle United in their opening fixture of the new campaign As he found the net in the final two seasons of the old Football League First Division he had now scored in 21 successive top division campaigns 91 On 17 January 2011 Giggs reached 600 league appearances all for Manchester United as he played in their goalless draw against Tottenham at White Hart Lane 92 Giggs signed a one year contract extension with Manchester United on 18 February keeping him at the club until June 2012 93 On 6 March 2011 Giggs surpassed the Manchester United league appearance record of Bobby Charlton by playing his 607th game against Liverpool On 26 April against Schalke 04 in the Champions League semi final first leg Giggs scored the first goal from a Wayne Rooney pass also making himself the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history to date 94 Giggs also played in the 2011 UEFA Champions League Final where Manchester United were defeated 3 1 by Barcelona 95 Giggs made his first start of the 2011 12 season in the UEFA Champions League away at Benfica He scored United s equalising goal in a 1 1 draw at the Estadio da Luz in the process breaking his own record for the oldest goalscorer in Champions League history He also became the first man ever to score in 16 different Champions League campaigns moving clear of Raul who was tied with Giggs on 15 seasons Raul though holds the record for scoring in 14 consecutive Champions League seasons On 19 November Giggs played in a league game in his home country of Wales for the first time in his distinguished career against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium in a United 1 0 win Giggs maintained his record of scoring in each of the past 22 top flight seasons by scoring United s third goal against Fulham at Craven Cottage in a 5 0 win on 21 December his first of the season in the league On 10 February 2012 Giggs signed a one year contract extension with Manchester United 96 nbsp Giggs playing against his hometown club Cardiff City for the first time in November 2013On 26 February 2012 Giggs made his 900th appearance for Manchester United in a 2 1 away win against Norwich City He marked the occasion by scoring the winning goal in the 90th minute scoring from a cross by Ashley Young 97 After the match Alex Ferguson told BBC Sport he believed that a player playing in 900 games for one club won t be done again 98 By March 2011 Giggs had played with more than 140 different players for the Manchester United first team 99 On 19 October 2012 Giggs just over a month short of his 39th birthday told The Daily Telegraph that he would like to move into management when he retires as a player He also said that he was still undecided on whether he would still be playing after the current football season ends 100 Giggs scored his first Premier League goal of the 2012 13 season against Everton on 10 February 2013 in a 2 0 home win extending his goalscoring sequence to 23 consecutive seasons in the highest division including all 21 Premier League seasons 101 102 He signed a new one year contract with Manchester United on 1 March 2013 keeping him at Old Trafford until June 2014 103 104 On 5 March Giggs made his 1 000th competitive appearance in a 2 1 home loss to Real Madrid in the second leg of the round of 16 of the UEFA Champions League 7 On 4 July Giggs was appointed as player coach by new manager David Moyes with immediate effect 105 106 Giggs became interim player manager when Moyes was sacked in April 2014 107 On 2 October after coming off the substitute bench against Shakhtar Donetsk Giggs became all time leading appearance holder in the European competition overtaking Raul an achievement he described as special 108 109 In November Giggs celebrated his 40th birthday leading to media outlets and football figures praising him for reaching the milestone while still an active professional footballer 110 111 112 113 114 Giggs announced his retirement from professional football on 19 May 2014 in an open letter to all Manchester United fans posted on the club website 115 116 Upon retirement Giggs received many plaudits for the achievements he earned throughout his career and the longevity of it 117 118 119 120 121 International careerEngland Schoolboys Born in Cardiff to Welsh parents Giggs represented Wales at international level As a youngster Giggs captained England Schoolboys but contrary to popular belief he was never eligible for the senior England team eligibility at the schoolboy level depends solely upon the location of the school in Giggs case Moorside High School in Salford 122 In October 2009 new rules were introduced for the Home Nations associations that would have enabled Giggs to represent England had he not already represented Wales in an official competition 123 but Giggs has always maintained that he would have chosen to play for Wales anyway he stated in 2002 I d rather go through my career without qualifying for a major championship than play for a country where I wasn t born or which my parents didn t have anything to do with 124 In his one year with the England Schoolboys team Giggs played nine times all as captain winning seven matches and losing twice 125 Among the wins was a 4 0 victory over his Welsh peers many of whom he would play alongside when he made the step up to the Welsh youth team the following year 126 Wales nbsp Giggs played for Wales 64 times but never at a major international tournament In May 1991 Giggs made his debut for the Wales Under 21s a 2 1 victory over Poland in Warsaw 127 It would turn out to be his only appearance for the team as he received a call up to the senior team later that year Giggs made his international debut away to Germany in October 1991 128 coming on as an 84th minute substitute for Eric Young at the age of 17 years 321 days to become the youngest player to appear for the Welsh senior team he held this record until June 1998 when Ryan Green appeared against Malta at the age of 17 years 226 days 129 Wales were still in contention to qualify for UEFA Euro 1992 before the game but a 4 1 victory for the Germans who went on to win their remaining games against Belgium and Luxembourg meant they qualified at Wales expense Giggs first senior goal for Wales came on 31 March 1993 in a 3 0 win over Belgium in Cardiff in a World Cup qualifying game the same game in which Ian Rush scored for Wales for a record 24th time 130 After his international debut in 1991 against Germany Giggs missed 18 consecutive friendly games before finally making his first friendly appearance for Wales against Finland in March 2000 131 by which time he had already accrued 25 caps 132 The reason for his continued absence from non competitive fixtures was largely a protective measure against unnecessary injuries in his autobiography Giggs states At that time whenever I played two games in one week I always seemed to pick up an injury so Alex Ferguson and I sat down and looked at it game by game If the international was a friendly the feeling was that I didn t have to play 133 Regardless his regularly withdrawing from Wales squads and routinely missing friendlies was criticised 134 In a qualifier against England for the 2006 FIFA World Cup at Old Trafford where Wales lost 2 0 Giggs played against some present and former Manchester United teammates including David Beckham Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney 135 136 137 During a 2006 World Cup qualifier against Azerbaijan on 12 October 2005 Giggs scored a rare double in a 2 0 win but Wales failed to reach the play offs 138 In September 2006 he played in a friendly against Brazil at White Hart Lane where Wales lost 2 0 Brazil coach Dunga complimented Giggs performance by stating he would not look out of place playing for the five time world champions alongside stars such as Kaka and Ronaldinho 139 Giggs announced his retirement from international football on Wednesday 30 May 2007 at a press conference held at The Vale of Glamorgan Hotel drawing the curtain on a 16 year international career 76 He cited concentrating on his United career as the main reason for stepping down His final game for Wales and as captain was the Euro 2008 qualifier against the Czech Republic on 2 June at Cardiff He earned his 64th cap in this game and won the Man of the Match award as Wales drew 0 0 140 In November he was one of three players in the final nomination by the FAW for the Wales Player of the Year award which was ultimately won by Craig Bellamy 141 In an interview with the Western Mail on 26 March 2010 Giggs hinted that he might be tempted to come out of international retirement for his country s UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying campaign in order to cover for the injured Aaron Ramsey 142 He later clarified his position to BBC Radio Manchester saying that he would only return to Wales duty in an emergency 143 Great Britain nbsp For the 2012 Summer Olympics in London Great Britain entered a team for the first time in over 40 years with Giggs as captain On 28 June 2012 Giggs was confirmed as one of the three over age players selected for Great Britain to compete at 2012 Summer Olympics alongside Craig Bellamy and Micah Richards 144 and he was subsequently named the team captain 145 He scored with a header against the United Arab Emirates in a 3 1 win on 29 July to become the oldest goalscorer in the football competition at the Summer Olympics at the age of 38 years and 243 days beating an 88 year old record that had been held by Egypt s Hussein Hegazi 146 147 In addition by featuring in the same match he became the oldest outfield Olympic footballer 148 Managerial careerManchester United Giggs was appointed as a player coach at Manchester United on 4 July 2013 105 as part of the coaching staff under new manager David Moyes When Moyes was sacked on 22 April 2014 after less than 10 months in the job Giggs took over as the club s interim player manager 107 compiling a record of two wins a draw and a defeat in the final four games of the 2013 14 season 149 After his final match in charge a 1 1 draw with Southampton Giggs admitted to breaking down in tears in part due to the pressure of managing United and also said he had struggled to sleep during the period 150 151 When Louis van Gaal was announced as Moyes permanent replacement on 19 May 2014 Giggs was also appointed as Van Gaal s assistant manager 152 Giggs was praised for giving debuts to youngsters James Wilson and Tom Lawrence in a 3 1 victory over Hull City a game in which he brought himself on as a substitute for Lawrence 153 154 155 156 Giggs was suggested by many including Louis van Gaal as the Dutchman s potential successor at Manchester United 157 158 However following the appointment of Portuguese coach Jose Mourinho Giggs announced his departure from the club on 2 July 2016 159 Wales source source source source source source track A short video of Giggs on the 70th birthday of the NHSGiggs was appointed manager of the Wales national team on 15 January 2018 on a four year contract succeeding Chris Coleman who had left the role to take up the manager s position at Sunderland the previous November 11 His first match in charge was in a 6 0 win over China during the 2018 China Cup where Gareth Bale broke the all time scoring record previously held by Ian Rush 160 Later that year Wales participated in the UEFA Nations League finishing behind Denmark with six points 161 In 2019 Wales had a slow start to their qualifying group only accruing three points from three matches 162 However they went unbeaten for the rest of the year culminating in a 2 0 win over Hungary and securing qualification for UEFA Euro 2020 12 The resulting tournament was delayed due to the COVID 19 pandemic and the next time that Giggs would manage the national team was behind closed doors during the UEFA Nations League campaign 163 His final match in charge was a 1 0 win over Bulgaria 164 On 3 November 2020 and following Giggs arrest on assault charges his assistant manager Rob Page became the caretaker manager 13 On 20 June 2022 it was announced that Giggs would step down from his position due to his upcoming trial 14 Player profileStyle of play This is embarrassing to say but I have cried twice in my life watching a football player The first one was Maradona and the second was Ryan Giggs 35 Alessandro Del Piero A skilful and dynamic left footed midfielder Giggs usually played as a traditional out and out left sided midfielder who would take on opposing defenders although he was a versatile player who was capable of playing on either flank as well as in several other positions throughout his career he was also fielded in various offensive roles as a left or right sided winger or outside forward in an attacking trident as an attacking midfielder as a deep lying forward or even as a striker In the later stages of his career as his pace and athleticism declined he was often used as a defensive or central midfielder or as a deep lying playmaker he was even deployed as a full back on occasion A quick and technically gifted player in his prime his main traits were his speed acceleration strength ball control flair dribbling skills and trickery in possession as well as his vision he also was able to refine his crossing and passing ability as his career progressed which made him an excellent assist provider and saw him take on more of a playmaking role for his team in later years which enabled him to dictate play in midfield and create chances for teammates in addition to scoring goals himself A fast and energetic player he also drew praise in the media for his tactical intelligence movement stamina work rate and consistency furthermore he was an accurate free kick taker In addition to his footballing skills Giggs also stood out for his leadership and longevity throughout his career nb 1 Discipline Giggs was never sent off in his 24 season playing career for Manchester United and was only once sent off when playing for Wales on 5 September 2001 in a World Cup qualifier against Norway 175 Giggs received a second yellow card in the 86th minute 176 In November 2003 he was found guilty of improper conduct by the FA due to his behaviour during the Battle of Old Trafford game against Arsenal one of two United and six Arsenal players charged over the incident 177 Giggs received a 7 500 fine but avoided suspension 178 In the same week Giggs received a two match suspension from international football for deliberately elbowing Russian player Vadim Evseev in the face during the first leg of the Euro 2004 play offs 179 The offence was missed by referee Lucilio Batista but Giggs was later charged using video evidence 179 Endorsements and public imageGiggs featured in advertisements for Reebok ITV Digital Kagome tomato juice Quorn and Celcom A 1996 Reebok advertisement which did not feature him included figures such as Sting Tom Jones Richard Attenborough and George Best impersonating him 180 According to an article by BBC Sport In the early 1990s Giggs was David Beckham before Beckham was even holding down a place in the United first team If you put his face on the cover of a football magazine it guaranteed you the biggest sales of the year Why Men would buy it to read about the new Best and girls bought it because they wanted his face all over their bedroom walls Giggs had the million pound boot deal Reebok the lucrative sponsorship deals in the Far East Fuji and the celebrity girlfriends Dani Behr Davinia Taylor at a time when Beckham was being sent on loan to Preston North End 181 Giggs features in EA Sports FIFA video game series and was selected to appear on the cover of FIFA Football 2003 alongside Dutch international midfielder Edgar Davids and Brazilian international fullback Roberto Carlos 182 Giggs was included in the FIFA 16 and 17 Ultimate Team Legends 183 Personal lifeFamily Giggs is the son of former rugby union and Wales international rugby league footballer Danny Wilson 184 Giggs was christened Ryan Joseph Wilson but as a teenager changed his surname to that of his mother after his parents separated 184 Giggs is said to have inherited his balance and athleticism from his father 184 He is a distant cousin of the Barbados international footballer Curtis Hutson 185 Giggs married his long time partner Stacey Cooke in a private ceremony on 7 September 2007 186 They have two children both born in Salford and lived in Worsley Greater Manchester close to where the player grew up 187 Giggs and Cooke divorced in 2017 188 His son Zach Giggs is also a footballer 189 Giggs conducted an eight year affair with his brother Rhodri s wife Natasha The affair resulted in members of Giggs family repudiating their former ties to Ryan after Ryan was appointed as manager of the Wales national team his father Danny said he was ashamed of him and that I can t even bring myself to use his name 190 Activism In August 2006 Giggs became an ambassador for UNICEF UK in recognition for his work with Manchester United s United for UNICEF partnership with the children s organisation 191 Giggs visited UNICEF projects in Thailand and told the BBC As a footballer I can t imagine life without the use of one of my legs Sadly this is exactly what happens to thousands of children every year when they accidentally step on a landmine 192 Post playing career In October 2010 Giggs said he would probably finish his career here Old Trafford and that he could not see himself dropping down leagues and playing at a lesser level He said he wanted to go into coaching describing the management of Manchester United or Wales as the two ultimate jobs and stating that he was halfway through his UEFA A coaching licence 193 Gary Neville ahead of his 2011 testimonial said he would put the proceeds towards a supporters club and hotel near Old Trafford 194 195 Trafford Council approved the hotel in 2012 despite objections from Manchester United 196 In 2013 Giggs and Neville launched a hospitality company named GG Hospitality 197 with plans to build football themed hotels and cafes around the United Kingdom initially in Manchester and London 198 199 200 The first operation was a football themed restaurant named Cafe Football in Stratford London which opened in November 2013 201 with Hotel Football previously under the guise of the supporters club Neville announced in 2011 scheduled to be opened in late 2014 202 In 2014 it was announced that Giggs along with former Manchester United players Gary Neville Paul Scholes Nicky Butt and Phil Neville had agreed a deal to purchase Salford City ahead of the 2014 15 season 203 204 with plans to get the club to the Football League 205 The group announced they would take part in a special friendly with Salford facing a Class of 92 team 206 207 On 22 September the group agreed to sell a 50 stake in the club to billionaire Peter Lim 208 209 In September 2017 along with former United teammates including Gary Neville Giggs proposed a university in Greater Manchester named University Academy 92 which would offer broader courses than traditional degrees and attract students who otherwise might not go on to higher education 210 needs update In November 2017 it was reported that Giggs had signed a consultancy deal with the Promotion Fund of Vietnamese Football Talents FC PVF The two year deal would involve making two trips per year to Vietnam 211 Gagging order See also 2011 British privacy injunctions controversy In May 2011 it was reported in non UK media sources that Giggs was the identity of CTB in CTB v News Group Newspapers 212 a footballer who had obtained an anonymised gagging order in relation to an alleged extra marital affair with model Imogen Thomas Giggs took legal action against the social networking site Twitter after he was named by a user in a list of identities of individuals who had allegedly taken out so called super injunctions 213 A blogger for Forbes magazine remarked that Giggs had not heard of the Streisand effect observing that mentions of his name had increased significantly after the case against Twitter had been reported 214 On 22 May 2011 the Sunday Herald a Scottish newspaper published a thinly disguised photograph of Giggs on its front page with the word CENSORED covering his eyes 215 216 Sunday Herald editor Richard Walker stated that the London High Court ruling had no force in Scotland unless copies of the paper were sold in England or Wales 217 On 23 May the gagging order set off a political controversy with Prime Minister David Cameron commenting that the law should be reviewed to catch up with how people consume media today 218 On the same day Liberal Democrat MP John Hemming used parliamentary privilege to name Giggs as CTB 219 220 Arrest and trial On 3 November 2020 Giggs was arrested on suspicion of two counts of assault against his ex girlfriend Kate Greville and her younger sister Emma 221 He denied the charges against him 222 In April 2021 he was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm to Kate Greville and common assault against Emma Greville as well as coercive and controlling behaviour against Kate 223 On 28 April he appeared in court where he denied the charges 224 His trial began on 8 August 2022 225 The jury of seven women and four men was discharged on 31 August having been unable to reach a verdict on any of the charges 226 On 18 July 2023 two weeks before he was due to face a retrial Giggs was cleared as the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew charges The prosecutor said that Kate Greville was unwilling to give evidence in the retrial 227 Career statisticsClub Club appearances and goals by season by competition 228 Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other nb 2 TotalDivision Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps GoalsManchester United 1990 91 First Division 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 11991 92 First Division 38 4 3 0 8 3 1 0 1 0 51 71992 93 Premier League 41 9 2 2 2 0 1 0 46 111993 94 Premier League 38 13 7 1 8 3 4 0 1 0 58 171994 95 Premier League 29 1 7 1 0 0 3 2 1 0 40 41995 96 Premier League 33 11 7 1 2 0 2 0 44 121996 97 Premier League 26 3 3 0 0 0 7 2 1 0 37 51997 98 Premier League 29 8 2 0 0 0 5 1 1 0 37 91998 99 Premier League 24 3 6 2 1 0 9 5 1 0 41 101999 2000 Premier League 30 6 0 0 11 1 3 0 44 72000 01 Premier League 31 5 2 0 0 0 11 2 1 0 45 72001 02 Premier League 25 7 1 0 0 0 13 2 1 0 40 92002 03 Premier League 36 8 3 2 5 0 15 4 59 142003 04 Premier League 33 7 5 0 0 0 8 1 1 0 47 82004 05 Premier League 32 5 4 0 1 1 6 2 1 0 44 82005 06 Premier League 27 3 2 1 3 0 5 1 37 52006 07 Premier League 30 4 6 0 0 0 8 2 44 62007 08 Premier League 31 3 2 0 0 0 9 0 1 1 43 42008 09 Premier League 28 2 2 0 4 1 11 1 2 0 47 42009 10 Premier League 25 5 1 0 2 1 3 1 1 0 32 72010 11 Premier League 25 2 3 1 1 0 8 1 1 0 38 42011 12 Premier League 25 2 2 0 1 1 5 1 0 0 33 42012 13 Premier League 22 2 4 1 1 2 5 0 32 52013 14 Premier League 12 0 0 0 2 0 7 0 1 0 22 0Total 672 114 74 12 41 12 157 29 19 1 963 168International Appearances and goals by national team and year 140 229 Team Year Apps GoalsWales 1991 2 01992 3 01993 6 21994 1 11995 3 01996 3 11997 3 11998 1 01999 3 12000 4 12001 5 02002 5 02003 7 12004 3 02005 6 32006 5 02007 4 1Total 64 12Great Britain Olympic team 2012 4 1Total 4 1International goals Scores and results list Wales Great Britain goal tally first The score column indicates the score after each Giggs goal Ryan Giggs goals for Wales 229 No Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 31 March 1993 Cardiff Arms Park Cardiff Wales nbsp Belgium 1 0 2 0 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification2 8 September 1993 Cardiff Arms Park Cardiff Wales nbsp RCS 1 1 2 2 1994 FIFA World Cup qualification3 7 September 1994 Cardiff Arms Park Cardiff Wales nbsp Albania 2 0 2 0 UEFA Euro 1996 qualification4 2 June 1996 San Marino Stadium Serravalle San Marino nbsp San Marino 4 0 5 0 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification5 11 October 1997 King Baudouin Stadium Brussels Belgium nbsp Belgium 2 3 2 3 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification6 4 September 1999 Dinamo Stadium Minsk Belarus nbsp Belarus 2 1 2 1 UEFA Euro 2000 qualification7 29 March 2000 Millennium Stadium Cardiff Wales nbsp Finland 1 2 1 2 Friendly8 29 March 2003 Millennium Stadium Cardiff Wales nbsp Azerbaijan 4 0 4 0 UEFA Euro 2004 qualification9 8 October 2005 Windsor Park Belfast Northern Ireland nbsp Northern Ireland 3 2 3 2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification10 12 October 2005 Millennium Stadium Cardiff Wales nbsp Azerbaijan 1 0 2 0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification11 2 012 28 March 2007 Millennium Stadium Cardiff Wales nbsp San Marino 1 0 3 0 UEFA Euro 2008 qualificationRyan Giggs goals for the Great Britain Olympic teamNo Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition1 29 July 2012 Wembley Stadium London UK nbsp United Arab Emirates 1 0 3 1 2012 Summer OlympicsManagerial record As of match played 30 March 2021Team From To RecordG W D L Win Ref Manchester United interim 22 April 2014 107 11 May 2014 4 2 1 1 0 50 00 230 Wales 15 January 2018 231 3 November 2020 232 25 12 5 8 0 48 00 230 failed verification Total 29 14 6 9 0 48 28HonoursManchester United 233 Premier League 1992 93 1993 94 1995 96 1996 97 1998 99 1999 2000 2000 01 2002 03 2006 07 2007 08 2008 09 2010 11 2012 13 234 FA Cup 1993 94 1995 96 1998 99 2003 04 Football League Cup 1991 92 2005 06 2008 09 2009 10 FA Community Shield 1993 1994 1996 1997 2003 2007 2008 2010 2013 UEFA Champions League 1998 99 2007 08 UEFA Super Cup 1991 Intercontinental Cup 1999 FIFA Club World Cup 2008 nbsp Ryan Giggs with the Premier League trophy in 2008Individual PFA Young Player of the Year 1991 92 1992 93 PFA Team of the Year 1992 93 1997 98 2000 01 2001 02 2006 07 2008 09 PFA Team of the Century 1997 2007 235 PFA Players Player of the Year 2008 09 PFA Merit Award 2016 FWA Tribute Award 2007 Bravo Award 1993 BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2009 BBC Wales Sports Personality of the Year 1996 2009 GQ Sportsman of the Year 2010 236 Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year 1997 98 Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year 1990 91 237 1991 92 237 Manchester United Players Player of the Year 2005 06 238 Premier League 10 Seasons Awards 1992 93 to 2001 02 Overall Team of the Decade 239 Premier League 10 Seasons Awards 1992 93 to 2001 02 Domestic Team of the Decade 239 Premier League 20 Seasons Awards 1992 93 to 2011 12 Best Player 240 Premier League 20 Seasons Awards 1992 93 to 2011 12 Fantasy Teams of the 20 Seasons public and panel choice 240 Premier League 20 Seasons Awards 1992 93 to 2011 12 Most Player Appearances 596 240 UEFA Champions League 10 Seasons Dream Team 1992 to 2002 2002 Welsh Footballer of the Year 1996 2006 Premier League Player of the Month August 2006 February 2007 234 BBC Goal of the Season 1998 99 Intercontinental Cup Most Valuable Player of the Match Award 1999 241 English Football Hall of Fame Inductee 2005 UEFA Champions League top assist provider 2006 07 242 Golden Foot 2011 Globe Soccer Awards Player Career Award 2019 243 One Club Award 2020 244 245 IFFHS Legends 246 Records Has won a record 13 top division English league titles as a player and only Manchester United player to have winner s medals from all 13 Premier League title wins Most Premier League appearances for a player with 632 247 since surpassed by Gareth Barry Most Premier League assists for a player with 162 247 Only player to have played in 22 successive Premier League seasons Only player to have scored in 21 successive Premier League seasons Only player to have scored in 17 different Champions League tournaments includes 11 consecutive tournaments 1996 97 to 2006 07 Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have a better record with 17 Most goals by a British player in the Champions League European Cup proper history and 14th overall not including preliminary rounds 248 Most appearances by a Manchester United player Most starts by a Manchester United player started in 794 games First player to score 100 Premier League goals for Manchester United Second midfielder to have scored 100 goals in the Premier League for a single club first being Matt Le Tissier One of four Manchester United players to win two Champions League titles others are Paul Scholes Gary Neville and Wes Brown Oldest 37 years 289 days player to score in the Champions League when he scored against Benfica on 14 September 2011 94 One of two Manchester United players to win at least 10 top division medals the other one is Paul Scholes Oldest 38 years 243 days player to score in the Football competition at the Summer Olympics when he scored against United Arab Emirates on 29 July 2012 State and civic honours OBE for services to football 2007 249 Honorary Master of Arts degree from the University of Salford for contributions to football and charity work in developing countries 2008 250 Freedom of the City of Salford 7 January 2010 251 He is the 22nd person to receive the Freedom of the City of Salford 251 See alsoList of footballers with 100 or more UEFA Champions League appearances List of men s footballers with the most official appearancesNotes See 110 35 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 Includes other competitive competitions including the FA Community Shield UEFA Super Cup Intercontinental Cup FIFA Club World CupReferences Premier League clubs submit squad lists PDF Premier League 2 February 2012 p 23 Archived from the original PDF on 27 February 2012 Retrieved 2 February 2012 11 Ryan Giggs Quote Unquote ManUtd com Manchester United Archived from the original on 1 May 2013 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Whyatt Chris 24 May 2011 Ryan Giggs profile BBC Sport Retrieved 1 June 2011 Darwin Stephen 18 December 2007 Is Ryan Giggs the Greatest Player of His Generation Football Fancast Retrieved 1 December 2020 Ranked The 101 greatest football players of the last 25 years full list FourFourTwo 253 ed 13 February 2018 Retrieved 22 December 2023 Dawnay Oliver 8 July 2019 Dani Alves Full back wins astonishing 43rd trophy of his career after Brazil beat Peru in Copa America final talkSPORT Archived from the original on 2 February 2023 a b c Oxley Sonia 5 March 2013 United midfielder Giggs makes 1 000th appearance Reuters Retrieved 24 March 2017 Taylor Louise 23 March 2017 Gianluigi Buffon s 1 000th career game is testament to a beacon of stability The Guardian Retrieved 24 March 2017 Ryan Giggs Man Utd confirm Welshman s exit after 29 years BBC Sport 2 July 2016 Retrieved 15 December 2022 Kane Laura Marshall Adam 25 April 2013 Video 13 titles for glorious Giggs ManUtd com Archived from the original on 7 February 2018 a b Ryan Giggs Manchester United legend named Wales manager BBC Sport 15 January 2018 Retrieved 15 January 2018 a b Pritchard Dafydd 19 November 2019 Wales 2 0 Hungary BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 a b Ryan Giggs Wales manager will not take charge of November games BBC Sport 3 November 2020 Retrieved 15 December 2022 a b Ryan Giggs Ex Manchester United winger resigns as Wales manager BBC Sport 20 June 2022 Retrieved 15 December 2022 Who Has the Most Champions League Assists 14 December 2023 United Kingdom list No 58358 The London Gazette 1st supplement 15 June 2007 p 10 Giggs suffered racist abuse Manchester Evening News 20 April 2010 Retrieved 28 October 2020 Rhodri Giggs resigns from Salford City salfordstar com Retrieved 7 November 2020 Ryan Giggs 25 years at Manchester United Young Ryan Giggs Wilson 1988 Granada Schools Cup Archived from the original on 30 October 2021 Retrieved 29 September 2012 Barker Neil 3 October 2012 Adrian Morley inspired by Reds legends Manchester Evening News Retrieved 27 October 2013 Adamson Mike Ashdown John 6 October 2004 Could Ryan Giggs have played for England The Guardian Retrieved 23 August 2010 Hughes Rob 3 March 2009 Ferguson and Giggs side by side at ManU The New York Times Retrieved 27 May 2011 Fordyce Tom 12 November 2003 The teenage tornado BBC Sport Retrieved 17 May 2009 Manchester United Boro Draw brings back memories of a rain lashed League Cup tie gazettelive co uk 24 September 2015 Retrieved 8 February 2022 Steve McManaman Profile Give Me Football Retrieved 19 December 2010 Might of the midfielders BBC News 11 July 2001 Retrieved 19 December 2010 Ryan Giggs is still smiling after surviving the bitter battles with Arsenal Evening Standard London 13 December 2010 Archived from the original on 16 December 2010 Retrieved 19 December 2010 How football became the new rock n roll Rock n Goal Week FourFourTwo 22 April 2009 Archived from the original on 11 July 2011 Retrieved 19 December 2010 Benson Andrew 1 March 2007 Ryan Giggs in a league of his own BBC Sport Retrieved 10 March 2009 Wallace Sam 28 July 2003 Milestone looming for Giggs The Daily Telegraph London Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 10 March 2009 a b Football Hall of Fame Ryan Giggs nationalfootballmuseum com Archived from the original on 4 August 2008 Retrieved 10 March 2009 Tongue Steve 13 May 2007 Giggs This can be the best United ever The Independent London Retrieved 13 September 2008 dead link No more second chances BBC News 15 April 1999 Retrieved 8 April 2014 a b c White Tom 23 January 2013 Ryan Giggs The Most Important United Player of All Time Bleacher Report Retrieved 7 April 2020 Giggs magic sinks Gunners BBC Sport 14 April 1999 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Man Utd crowned world champions BBC Sport 30 November 1999 Retrieved 16 May 2011 Giggs agrees new five year deal The Telegraph 4 April 2001 Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Celtic too strong for Man Utd BBC Sport 1 August 2001 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Walker Michael 2 August 2001 Feisty Celtic give Giggs a night to remember The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Giggs earns Man Utd point BBC Sport 23 August 2002 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Giggs I m not finished yet BBC Sport 21 January 2003 Retrieved 7 August 2014 McNulty Phil 19 February 2003 Giggs must rise again BBC Sport Retrieved 7 August 2014 McCarra Kevin 8 January 2003 United draw breath of relief The Guardian Retrieved 16 October 2016 a b c Lewis Ricardo Ryan Giggs How his United career could have ended 10 years ago Give Me Sport Retrieved 16 October 2016 Arsenal cruise past Man Utd BBC Sport 16 February 2003 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Wilson Paul 16 February 2003 Arsenal triumph as Giggs goes missing The Observer Retrieved 7 August 2014 Man Utd shrug off Giggs talk BBC Sport 24 February 2003 Retrieved 16 October 2016 Giggs inspires Man Utd BBC Sport 25 February 2003 Retrieved 7 August 2014 McCarra Kevin 26 February 2003 Giggs opens up Juve s gifts The Guardian Retrieved 7 August 2014 Steinberg Jacob 1 March 2013 Ryan Giggs his 10 greatest goals The Guardian Retrieved 7 August 2014 Ryan Giggs s top five Champions League moments The Telegraph 20 March 2014 Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Giggs dismisses Inter rumours BBC Sport 30 December 2002 Retrieved 16 October 2016 Giggs set for Adriano swap BBC Sport 26 February 2003 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Wallace Sam 27 February 2003 Giggs keen to stay at United after Inter link The Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Wright joins Hall of Fame BBC Sport 15 October 2005 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Giggs frustrated by injuries Sky Sports 7 February 2002 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Corrigan James 13 February 2005 How yoga has stretched the career of very private Ryan The Independent Retrieved 7 August 2014 Cheese Caroline 26 August 2006 Watford 1 2 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 8 August 2014 Taylor Daniel 11 September 2006 Giggs and sloppy Spurs get United believing again The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Taylor Daniel 7 December 2006 United hold their nerve as Vidic turns the tide The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Bevan Chris 4 February 2007 Tottenham 0 4 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 8 August 2014 Winter Henry 21 February 2007 Clever Giggs rises above the chaos The Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Giggs bemused by free kick fuss ESPN 27 February 2007 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Jackson Jamie 25 February 2007 Ronaldo picks Fulham s pocket The Observer Retrieved 8 August 2014 Wilson Paul 13 May 2007 Giggs leader of men The Observer Retrieved 8 August 2014 Jackson Jamie 20 May 2007 Giggs goes over the line and over the top The Observer Retrieved 8 August 2014 Cheese Caroline 5 August 2007 Chelsea 1 1 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 8 August 2014 Van der Sar shields United goal for Wembley win The Guardian 5 August 2007 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Smyth Rob 23 April 2008 Is it time for Fergie to ditch Giggs and Scholes The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Giggs is underrated Ferdinand BBC Sport 8 December 2007 Retrieved 29 January 2009 Giggs signs up for 100 club in Lyon UEFA com Union of European Football Associations 20 February 2008 Retrieved 29 January 2009 Rich Tim 12 May 2008 Ryan Giggs reaches Bobby Charlton mark The Daily Telegraph London Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 29 January 2009 Shuttleworth Peter 21 May 2008 Spot on Giggs overtakes Charlton BBC Sport Retrieved 8 August 2014 Thompson Gemma 21 May 2008 Report MU 1 6 Chelsea 1 5 ManUtd com Manchester United Retrieved 29 January 2009 a b Abbandonato Paul 7 January 2009 Ryan Giggs faces up to life after Old Trafford Western Mail Archived from the original on 11 February 2009 Retrieved 29 January 2009 Giggs to be offered new contract BBC Sport 25 January 2009 Retrieved 12 February 2009 Giggs signs new Man Utd contract BBC Sport 12 February 2009 Retrieved 12 February 2009 Man Utd dominate PFA awards list BBC Sport 14 April 2009 Retrieved 14 April 2009 Giggs earns prestigious PFA award BBC Sport 26 April 2009 Retrieved 26 April 2009 Ferguson backs Giggs to win award BBC Sport 24 April 2009 Retrieved 24 April 2009 McNulty Phil 29 April 2009 Man Utd 1 0 Arsenal BBC Sport Retrieved 29 April 2009 Bostock Adam 26 July 2009 Giggs glee at first hat trick ManUtd com Manchester United Retrieved 26 July 2009 Cheese Caroline 12 September 2009 Tottenham 1 3 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 12 September 2009 Sanghera Mandeep 28 November 2009 Portsmouth 1 4 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 28 November 2009 Ryan Giggs wins 2009 BBC Sports Personality award BBC Sport 13 December 2009 Retrieved 13 December 2009 Ryan Giggs signs new deal at Manchester United BBC Sport 18 December 2009 Retrieved 18 December 2009 Players of the Decade 1 ManUtd com Manchester United 31 December 2009 Retrieved 31 December 2009 McNulty Phil 24 April 2010 Man Utd 3 1 Tottenham BBC Sport Retrieved 24 April 2010 At 36 Giggs Finally Scores His First Penalties The New York Times Associated Press 24 April 2010 Retrieved 29 February 2012 Chowdhury Saj 16 August 2010 Man Utd 3 0 Newcastle BBC Sport Retrieved 16 August 2010 Bartram Steve 16 January 2011 Milestone man marches on ManUtd com Manchester United Retrieved 16 January 2011 Ryan Giggs signs new Manchester United contract BBC Sport 18 February 2011 Retrieved 18 February 2011 a b United end Schalke s perfect home record in European semifinal CNN 26 April 2011 Retrieved 27 April 2011 Barcelona 3 1 Man Utd BBC Sport 28 May 2011 Retrieved 13 June 2011 Ryan Giggs signs Manchester United contract extension BBC Sport 10 February 2012 Retrieved 11 February 2012 Rostance Tom 26 February 2012 Norwich 1 2 Man Utd BBC Sport Retrieved 26 February 2012 Sir Alex Ferguson labels Ryan Giggs amazing after record BBC Sport 26 February 2012 Retrieved 1 December 2013 Wainewright Will 1 March 2011 Ryan Giggs s 141 team mates at Manchester United since 1991 The Guardian London Retrieved 1 December 2013 Winter Henry 19 October 2012 Manchester United great Ryan Giggs says managing will be the next best thing when he hangs up his boots Daily Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 27 October 2013 McNulty Phil 10 February 2013 Man Utd 2 0 Everton BBC Sport Retrieved 8 August 2014 Hunter Andy 10 February 2013 Manchester United extend lead to 12 points with victory over Everton The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Ryan Giggs agrees new deal ManUtd com Manchester United 1 March 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 Ryan Giggs Manchester United star signs new one year deal BBC Sport 1 March 2013 Retrieved 1 March 2013 a b Ryan Giggs appointed player coach at Manchester United The Guardian 4 July 2013 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Giggs named player coach ManUtd com Manchester United 4 July 2013 Retrieved 21 July 2013 a b c Jolly Richard 22 April 2014 Giggs named temporary United boss ESPN FC Retrieved 22 April 2014 Rice Simon 3 October 2013 Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs claims Champions League appearance record The Independent Retrieved 8 August 2014 Jolly Richard 3 October 2013 Ryan Giggs enjoys special UCL record ESPN Retrieved 8 August 2014 a b Herbert Ian 29 November 2013 Ryan Giggs at 40 How the Manchester United midfielder did it The Independent Retrieved 7 August 2014 McGowan Tom 29 November 2013 Ryan Giggs Fit 40 and still firing CNN Retrieved 7 August 2014 Hunter Andy 28 November 2013 Manchester United s Ryan Giggs still firing and fabulous at 40 The Guardian Retrieved 7 August 2014 Ogden Mark 29 November 2013 Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs celebrates his 40th birthday still dreaming of Champions League glory The Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs celebrates his 40th birthday Sky Sports 29 November 2013 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Giggs Ryan 19 May 2014 Giggs announces retirement ManUtd com Manchester United Archived from the original on 19 May 2014 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Jackson Jamie 19 May 2014 Ryan Giggs retires from playing after taking Manchester United No2 job The Guardian Retrieved 21 May 2014 Ryan Giggs The games the goals and the gongs BBC Sport 19 May 2014 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Hunter Andy 19 May 2014 Ryan Giggs takes his leave as most decorated player in English game The Guardian Retrieved 7 August 2014 Reynolds Charles 19 May 2014 Ryan Giggs retires The 10 best moments from the former Manchester United midfielder s career The Independent Retrieved 7 August 2014 Winter Henry 19 May 2014 Ryan Giggs produced guile and goals for Manchester United to secure place among the greats The Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Campbell Paul 21 May 2014 Was Ryan Giggs playing career the best in the history of English football The Guardian Retrieved 7 August 2014 Adamson Mike Ashdown John 6 October 2004 Could Ryan Giggs have played for England The Guardian London Retrieved 26 September 2009 Shuttleworth Peter 13 October 2009 Shawcross now eligible for Wales BBC Sport Retrieved 14 November 2012 Giggs annoyed by England talk BBC Sport 15 October 2002 Retrieved 1 December 2013 Giggs 2006 p 24 Giggs 2006 p 25 Giggs 2006 p 45 Did Ryan Giggs Skip Wales Matches Stats Revealed Football Stories 6 March 2023 Retrieved 7 March 2023 Green the younger to eclipse Giggs mark The Independent 3 June 1998 Retrieved 14 June 2009 Ryan Giggs Top 5 moment for Wales faw cymru 16 January 2018 Retrieved 15 December 2022 Walker Paul 2 March 2000 Ferguson protects Giggs from Wales The Independent London p 29 Wales flop in Cardiff BBC Sport 29 March 2000 Retrieved 2 December 2013 Giggs 2006 p 124 Ryan Giggs Manchester United legend set to be named Wales manager BBC Sport 14 January 2018 Retrieved 14 January 2018 Walker Michael 6 October 2004 Bullish Giggs primed for historic meeting with familiar faces The Guardian London Retrieved 1 December 2013 Beckham Giggs needs more BBC Sport 8 October 2004 Retrieved 1 December 2013 England 2 0 Wales BBC News 9 October 2004 Retrieved 1 December 2013 Wales 2 0 Azerbaijan BBC Sport 12 October 2005 Retrieved 21 May 2011 Brazil s Dunga dazzled by Giggs BBC Sport 6 September 2006 Retrieved 29 January 2009 a b Giggs ends international career BBC Sport 30 May 2007 Retrieved 29 January 2009 17th Football Presentation Awards Evening Football Association of Wales 13 November 2007 Retrieved 1 January 2008 Bloom Mark 26 March 2010 Ryan Giggs considers Wales return Western Mail Media Wales Archived from the original on 3 September 2010 Retrieved 26 March 2010 Ryan Giggs plays down talk of a Wales return BBC Sport 26 March 2010 Retrieved 26 March 2010 David Beckham not selected for London 2012 football squad BBC Sport 28 June 2012 Retrieved 28 June 2012 London 2012 Olympics Ryan Giggs to captain Team GB football side The Daily Telegraph 8 July 2012 Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 8 July 2012 Oldest Olympic football goalscorer male Guinness World Records Giggs oldest Olympics scorer as Britain beat UAE 3 1 in front of Prince William Beckham Ryan Giggs Legend of Manchester United amp Wales ryangiggs cc Ryan Giggs retires We salute record breaking Manchester United legend Guinness World Records 23 May 2014 United under Ryan Giggs StretfordEnd co uk Retrieved 21 May 2014 Edwards Luke 5 June 2014 Ryan Giggs admits he burst into tears after his final game as Manchester United s interim manager The Telegraph Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Scott Elliot Robin 5 June 2014 Ryan Giggs admits he broke down in tears at end of short spell as Manchester United manager The Independent Retrieved 8 August 2014 Manchester United Louis van Gaal confirmed as new manager BBC Sport 19 May 2014 Retrieved 21 May 2014 Jackson Jamie 6 May 2014 James Wilson and Ryan Giggs star in Manchester United win over Hull The Guardian Retrieved 8 August 2014 Garside Kevin 7 May 2014 Ryan Giggs revives tradition of blooding young talent as James Wilson impresses The Independent Retrieved 8 August 2014 Atkins Christopher 7 May 2014 James Wilson Tom Lawrence and the Manchester United way ESPN Retrieved 8 August 2014 Who are Manchester United youngsters James Wilson and Tom Lawrence who made debuts against Hull The Telegraph 7 May 2014 Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 8 August 2014 Louis van Gaal Ryan Giggs will succeed me at Man United BBC Sport 24 April 2015 Retrieved 26 April 2015 Louis van Gaal backs Ryan Giggs to succeed him at Manchester United Sky Sports 24 April 2015 Retrieved 26 April 2015 Giggs leaves Manchester United ManUtd com Manchester United 2 July 2016 Retrieved 2 July 2016 Pritchard Dafydd 21 March 2018 China PR 6 0 Wales BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 Pritchard Dafydd 16 November 2018 Wales 1 2 Denmark BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 Pritchard Dafydd 11 June 2019 Hungary 1 0 Wales BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 Pritchard Dafydd 3 September 2020 Finland 0 1 Wales BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 Pritchard Dafydd 14 October 2020 Bulgaria 0 1 Wales BBC Sport Retrieved 15 December 2022 Wakeman Gregory 15 March 2013 Ryan Giggs 11 Greatest Moments at Manchester United Bleacher Report Retrieved 7 April 2020 Gabrielli Fabrizio 14 March 2014 Onora il padre ultimouomo com in Italian Retrieved 7 April 2020 Dowding Chris 14 January 2009 Ryan Giggs A True Legend Bleacher Report Retrieved 7 April 2020 Bagchi Rob 14 January 2009 Be grateful for Giggs a gift that keeps on giving The Guardian Retrieved 7 April 2020 McRae Donald 13 September 2005 Giggs my fear of the blue revolution The Guardian Retrieved 7 April 2020 Warrington Declan 14 June 2016 Wayne s new world 4 other big name players who changed position successfully FourFourTwo Retrieved 7 April 2020 Dwight McNeil reveals the player he models himself on FourFourTwo 15 December 2019 Retrieved 7 April 2020 Okwonga Musa 18 October 2012 What next for Ryan Giggs ESPN FC Retrieved 7 April 2020 Ronaldo savours his best goal BBC Sport 31 January 2008 Retrieved 27 April 2020 Mitten Andy 26 April 2017 Fergie Ferdinand Moscow and more Nemanja Vidic talks to ESPN FC ESPN FC Retrieved 28 April 2020 Giggs off as Wales are beaten in Oslo BBC Sport 5 September 2001 Retrieved 28 September 2010 Hughes defends Giggs over red card BBC Sport 5 September 2001 Retrieved 28 September 2010 Eight charged after bust up BBC Sport 24 September 2003 Retrieved 28 September 2010 Rowbottom Mike 2 December 2003 Giggs and Ronaldo escape bans for fracas The Independent London Archived from the original on 27 March 2010 Retrieved 22 December 2011 a b Giggs handed two match ban by UEFA CNN 5 December 2003 Retrieved 28 September 2010 Bailey Ryan 29 November 2013 Ryan Giggs 10 Best TV Adverts Bleacher Report Retrieved 18 July 2023 Benson Andrew 1 March 2007 Ryan Giggs in a league of his own BBC Sport Retrieved 28 October 2007 FIFA 2003 release date announced ESPN Retrieved 18 February 2015 FIFA 16 Ultimate Team New Legends EA Sports Retrieved 16 April 2015 a b c Hughes Rob 3 March 2009 Ferguson and Giggs side by side at ManU The New York Times Retrieved 4 June 2012 Footballer gets second shot at pro career despite epilepsy blow WalesOnline 23 June 2012 Ryan meets his match ManUtd com Manchester United 7 September 2007 Retrieved 8 September 2007 Benson Andrew 1 March 2007 Ryan Giggs in a league of his own BBC Sport Retrieved 28 August 2008 Ryan Giggs estranged wife granted divorce The Daily Telegraph 11 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August 2013 Tangerine hits back of net with GG Hospitality Manchester Evening News Retrieved 7 August 2014 Bignell Paul 5 July 2013 Former Manchester United team mates Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville to open a football themed hotel and a restaurant The Independent Retrieved 7 August 2014 Jupp Adam 11 July 2013 Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville team up to build football themed hotels and cafes around the UK Manchester Evening News Retrieved 7 August 2014 Hotel Football venue in Manchester Colliers International 10 July 2013 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Owens John 8 August 2013 Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville hire Tangerine for Cafe Football launch PRWeek Retrieved 7 August 2014 McKeegan Alice 3 October 2013 Ryan Giggs and Gary Neville kick off their hotel empire in the shadows of Old Trafford Manchester Evening News Retrieved 7 August 2014 Keegan Mike 27 March 2014 Class of 92 stars agree deal to buy Salford City FC Manchester Evening News Retrieved 27 March 2014 Gary Neville Phil Neville Ryan Giggs Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt agree deal for Salford City FC Sky Sports 27 March 2014 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Robson James 7 August 2014 Class of 92 have big plans for Salford City Manchester Evening News Retrieved 7 August 2014 Keegan Mike 9 May 2014 Class of 92 to play in Salford City friendly Manchester Evening News Retrieved 7 August 2014 Ryan Giggs and Manchester United Class of 92 team mates to face Salford FC The Independent 9 May 2014 Retrieved 7 August 2014 Jackson Jamie 22 September 2014 Peter Lim to buy 50 stake in Salford City from Class of 92 The Guardian Retrieved 22 September 2014 Singapore businessman Peter Lim joins forces with ex Manchester United players and invests in Salford City FC The Daily Telegraph 22 September 2014 Archived from the original on 11 January 2022 Retrieved 22 September 2014 Cooper Imogen 20 September 2017 Manchester United s class of 92 unveil plans to open university The Guardian Retrieved 29 August 2019 Ryan Giggs Man Utd legend to sign deal with Vietnamese academy BBC Sport Retrieved 14 November 2017 CTB v News Group Newspapers Ltd amp Anor 2011 EWHC 1232 QB 14 and 20 April 2011 High Court of Justice British and Irish Legal Information Institute BAILII 16 May 2011 Retrieved 21 May 2011 Cheng Jackie 20 May 2011 Twitter asked to stop users from gossiping then gets sued Ars technica Retrieved 21 May 2011 Hill Kashmir 20 May 2011 He Who Cannot Be Named In The UK Sues Twitter Over A User Naming Him Forbes Retrieved 21 May 2011 Taylor Matthew Gabbatt Adam Chrispin Sebastian 22 May 2011 Scottish newspaper identifies injunction row footballer The Guardian Retrieved 30 June 2022 Front page Sunday Herald 22 May 2011 Sunday Herald names footballer accused on Twitter BBC News 22 May 2011 Retrieved 22 May 2011 Privacy injunctions unsustainable says Cameron BBC News 23 May 2011 Retrieved 23 May 2011 Watt Nicholas 23 May 2011 John Hemming the MP who outed Ryan Giggs in superinjunctions row The Guardian Retrieved 30 June 2022 Injunctions doubt as footballer Ryan Giggs named by MP BBC News 24 May 2011 Retrieved 2 September 2016 Shadwell Talia 6 November 2020 Giggs arrested on suspicion of assaulting girlfriend and another on same night mirror Retrieved 7 November 2020 Ryan Giggs denies assault allegations after arrest BBC News 3 November 2020 Retrieved 3 November 2020 Ryan Giggs charged with assaulting two women BBC News 23 April 2021 Retrieved 23 April 2021 Ryan Giggs denies assaulting two women BBC News 28 April 2021 Retrieved 28 April 2021 Ryan Giggs Ex Man Utd and Wales star headbutted ex girlfriend court BBC News 8 August 2022 Ryan Giggs trial Jury discharged after failing to reach verdicts BBC News 1 September 2022 Retrieved 2 September 2022 Evitts Jared 18 July 2023 Ryan Giggs Ex Man Utd star cleared over former girlfriend charges BBC News Retrieved 18 July 2023 Endlar Andrew Ryan Giggs StretfordEnd co uk Retrieved 22 May 2014 a b Ryan Giggs National Football Teams Benjamin Strack Zimmermann Retrieved 19 December 2010 a b Ryan Giggs Soccerbase Retrieved 23 April 2014 Ryan Giggs Manchester United legend named Wales manager BBC Sport 15 January 2018 Retrieved 6 February 2018 Ryan Giggs Wales manager will not take charge of November games BBC Sport 3 November 2020 Ryan Giggs The games the goals and the gongs BBC Sport 19 May 2014 Retrieved 29 August 2019 a b Ryan Giggs Overview Premier League Retrieved 16 April 2018 Team of the Century 1997 2007 the Premiership s finest of the last decade GiveMeFootball com Give Me Football 5 September 2007 Archived from the original on 21 October 2008 Retrieved 5 September 2007 GQ Sportsman of the Year GQ magazine 29 October 2010 a b Bostock Adam 4 May 2010 Award joy for Keane ManUtd com Manchester United Football Club Archived from the original on 5 November 2013 Retrieved 30 April 2020 Carney Sam 18 September 2020 Every winner of Man Utd s Players Player of the Year award Manchester United F C Retrieved 10 July 2021 a b Davies Christopher 15 April 2003 The Premiership elite selection 1993 2003 The Telegraph London Archived from the original on 12 November 2012 Retrieved 2 October 2009 a b c Man Utd dominate 20 Seasons Fantasy Teams Premier League 14 May 2012 Archived from the original on 18 May 2012 Retrieved 14 May 2012 Toyota Cup Most Valuable Player of the Match Award Retrieved 16 September 2015 UEFA Champions League 2006 07 History Statistics UEFA com UEFA com Retrieved 25 October 2017 Ryan Giggs PLAYER CAREER AWARD globesoccer com Globe Soccer Awards Retrieved 31 December 2019 Ryan Giggs the Welsh prince of Old Trafford Athletic Bilbao 3 June 2020 Retrieved 8 June 2020 Ryan Giggs Wales boss earns Athletic Bilbao accolade for Manchester United career BBC Sport 3 June 2020 Retrieved 8 June 2020 IFFHS announce the 48 football legend players IFFHS 25 January 2016 Archived from the original on 24 September 2019 Retrieved 14 September 2016 a b All time Premier League Player Stats Premier League Retrieved 5 October 2016 Top Scorers UEFA Champions League 1991 2011 Futbal org 4 May 2011 Retrieved 21 May 2011 OBE honour for United hero Giggs BBC News 11 December 2007 Retrieved 20 November 2008 Giggs is Awarded Honorary Degree BBC 15 July 2008 Retrieved on 15 July 2008 a b Giggs awarded freedom of Salford BBC News 7 January 2010 Retrieved 7 January 2010 General sourcesGiggs Ryan 2006 Giggs The Autobiography London Penguin Books ISBN 978 0 14 102401 1 External links nbsp Wikimedia Commons has media related to Ryan Giggs Ryan Giggs FIFA competition record archived Ryan Giggs at Soccerbase nbsp Profile at ManUtd com Ryan Giggs at IMDb Ryan Giggs collected news and commentary at The Guardian nbsp Retrieved from https en wikipedia org w index php title Ryan Giggs amp oldid 1207332923, wikipedia, wiki, book, books, library,

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