Giggs hails inspirational Sir Bobby

Ryan Giggs says Sir Bobby Charlton acts an inspiration to everyone associated with Manchester United and the club’s record appearance-maker will always be eternally grateful for all the help and advice he received from the Reds legend throughout his career.

Giggs famously overtook Sir Bobby in United’s all-time appearance stats on the night the Reds won a third European Cup in Moscow back in May 2008. While Sir Alex Ferguson had the biggest influence on Giggs's career, the current assistant manager says Sir Bobby’s guidance over the years was crucial to his success at Old Trafford.

“He’s always been really approachable and encouraging, from a young age right until I was 40 playing in the first team. He had a massive impact on me throughout my career,” Giggs told MUTV.

“He always took an interest in how the young players did. He’d go and watch the youth team and the Reserves, he’d come on tour when we would go abroad and that’s when you saw first hand the love people around the world had for him. He was always trying to help the young players whether it be by an encouraging word here and there or talking to you about something he saw in a game.”

Ahead of Sunday’s ceremony to mark the unveiling of the new Sir Bobby Charlton Stand at Old Trafford, Giggs was asked to sum up the impact the World Cup and European Cup winner has had on the club.

“I think he just epitomises Manchester United. He was one of the best players there’s ever been and he’s someone who is humble, approachable and who oozes class,” Giggs declared. “He’s a great person to know and he’s someone who has inspired me and helped me throughout my career.”