Giggs defends United quality

Ryan Giggs has hit back at critics who argue the current Manchester United side is not one of their strongest.

The Red Devils clinched a record-breaking 19th league title on Saturday, and their 12th since the dawn of the Premier League.

However, some observers have claimed they lack star quality without Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez, while others have pointed to the lack of a consistent challenge from Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City as the reason for United's success.

It is an assessment that Giggs, who has been a regular in the first team at Old Trafford for two decades, is sick of hearing.

"The people who say this isn't a great United side are wrong," argued the veteran Welshman.

"I have played in good sides over the last 20 years and the back four we have at the moment is as good as any.

"They have provided the base that gave us the chance to win the league.

"Many people have given us stick this year but we have proved how good we are by what we have done."

In fact, Giggs never had any doubts. Even as Wayne Rooney was outlining why he wanted to leave Old Trafford in October, the 37-year-old kept the faith.

"I always thought we were going to win the league," said Giggs. "I had no qualms or worries earlier in the season.

"You could be six behind at the turn of the year and still turn it around.

"It is all about momentum, which has been key for us. Since New Year we have turned on the style. Not only with some great performances but also with great results."

While some United players are nearing the end of their careers, Giggs can see another great side emerging.

"This side can go on to more things," he said.

"You look around the changing room at Fabio, Rafael, Chris Smalling and Javier Hernandez. They will be at the club a long time.

"You can see they love the club purely through the way they play and their manner around the training ground. It is obvious.

"It is all part of the manager's strategy for keeping things going.

"He has those three tiers. Now it is me, Paul Scholes, Edwin van der Sar and Gary Neville. Then you have those in their late 20s and early 30s and then the younger players.

"We motivate each other. And for the young players to win their first medals and produce the football they are capable of is fantastic."