Giggs: Derby is intense

Ryan Giggs has compared United’s current rivalry with City to that formerly shared with Arsenal, citing the recently intensified Manchester derby as reason.

From 1997 to 2004, the Reds consistently battled the Gunners for the Premier League title and meetings between the pair were often highly-charged, competitive affairs that weren’t for the faint-hearted.

Just days after a similarly ferocious match at the Etihad Stadium, Giggs cannot help but compare clashes with the Blues to those of yesteryear against Arsene Wenger’s team.

“We had so many battles with Arsenal that were skilful games, but also physically tough, and I felt the game was like that on Sunday,” Ryan told Red Voices, ManUtd.com’s exclusive podcast.

“It is two very good teams with the added spice that it’s a local derby. Over the last three years, each Manchester derby has intensified. The build-up is longer, people start talking about it earlier and the feeling when you win is even better.

“It was two quality sides, both in good form and going head to head at the top of the league. We took the first half and then City came back into life like we expected, but I thought we still looked dangerous and had goals in us during the second half. At 2-2, with City coming back into it, most people would’ve settled for a draw, but we score late goals so often and there is no better feeling, especially in such a big game.”