Giggs keeps a level head

Ryan Giggs insists he has remained calm despite the furore surrounding back-to-back Manchester United defeats.

United have lost against rivals Chelsea and Liverpool in their last two outings in the Premier League.

On Sunday they face Arsenal in the FA Cup in the knowledge that a defeat against the Gunners would represent their worst run since 2001.

However, it was just six weeks ago that United were being crowned champions elect and lauded for their 29-game unbeaten run.

During that period the former Wales international refused to get carried away by the praise and is now not getting too despondent by the increased scrutiny following the defeats.

"You try to keep a level head no matter what is happening," he said.

"If you are on a 10-game winning streak or have lost a couple of games, you need to keep the same calmness and not get too carried away.

"Criticism comes with the territory.

"We have had two defeats. Outside the club, people are thinking what is wrong. The only way to stop them saying that is to do it on the pitch. That is what we intend to do, starting tomorrow."

Arsenal come into the contest off the back of a defeat in midweek to Barcelona in which they were thoroughly outplayed, but Giggs has too much experience to think that this will have any bearing on the contest.

"We both have a point to prove," he added.

"Arsenal were swept aside by Barcelona but that can happen because they are such a good team.

"At times this year Arsenal have been brilliant. They have players who can hurt you. We are well aware of that.

"We are neck and neck in the Premier League. Whoever wins it, it can be the platform to go on and be successful this season."