Giggs enjoys giving back

Ryan Giggs will celebrate yet another milestone on Saturday should he feature in the clash with Wigan, but United’s most decorated servant insists he gets far more satisfaction from being able to help inspire the next generation of stars at Old Trafford.

The Welshman will make his 600th appearance in the Barclays Premier League – the most ever in the modern era - with a start or substitute appearance against the Latics.

Giggs says he is “proud” of the record, but maintains that being able to impart his vast knowledge and experience to those at the opposite end of their careers is what excites him more than celebrating his own achievements.

“It [helping young players] is something I take seriously because once upon a time I was that 16/17-year-old trying to get into the first team and I got a lot of help from the likes of Bryan Robson, Steve Bruce, Mark Hughes and Brian McClair in my early days.” he told ManUtd.com.

“It’s something I’m comfortable with and I think the older, more experienced players have a duty to help the young players when they come in and train with the first team or make it into the squad and then into the team. It’s part of being a Manchester United player and it’s something that has always happened over the years at this club.

"You enjoy helping young players because you yourself were once that young player. If you can just give them that little bit of help and confidence then great. I know how I felt when the likes of Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce were speaking to me - you made sure you listened. Hopefully we can pass on our experience to the young players because sometimes they need it.

“Obviously getting to 600 games is a great achievement and something I’m proud of,” he added, when asked about his latest looming landmark. “But if I’m honest I don’t really take too much notice of things like that. Hopefully I can celebrate it with a win – that’s the most important thing.”

Giggs has featured just once in United’s opening three games, but the 38-year-old insists he is happy to wait in the wings until he’s required.

“Playing less and less is something I’m used to, especially at the beginning of the season,” he says. “It’s a squad game and over the last four or five years I’ve played my share of games. You’ve just got to bide your time and when you get your chance, take it.”

As for this season possibly being his last as a Red, he adds: “I maintain everything that I’ve said before about keeping on playing – as long as I’m enjoying it, playing my part and playing well then I’ll carry on.”