Ferguson salutes ‘fantastic’ Giggs

SIR Alex Ferguson has run out of things to say about long–serving Manchester United star Ryan Giggs.

The veteran Welshman opened the scoring in yesterday's 2–0 win over Everton, with Robin van Persie adding the second as United went 12 points clear of Manchester City.

Giggs has extended his record of scoring in every Premier League season. Including the two Football League campaigns in which he was involved before the switch in 1992, the 39 year old has 23 unbroken years of league goals behind him.

The milestone is yet another in a staggering career, unparalleled in the modern–day game.

Ferguson admits he doesn’t know how much more he can say about Giggs' talent.

"I think the superlatives have all been used up," said the United boss.

"His legacy lives on he is just a fantastic human being. At 38, or is he 39, maybe even 40 he is up and down that pitch all day. He has fantastic energy for the game. It is wonderful to see."

Giggs' contribution means he probably will not be part of United's starting line–up in Madrid on Wednesday.

But in a sense the Everton mach was of greater value than a meeting at the Bernabeu. The teams will be playing only for a place in the quarter–finals of the Champions League. Once City had lost at Southampton, yesterday's game almost turned into a title–decider for United.

"As soon as I saw the result at Southampton I thought this was an opportunity for us to get a real

comfortable lead," said Ferguson.

After losing the title to City last season, there has been a keen desire for the Red Devils to regain their superiority. Everton boss David Moyes isn’t alone in believing that will happen.

"I think 12 points against a club like Manchester United is a big gap to make up," said Moyes. "To be that number of points ahead is a big thing at this time of the season."