Giggs targets 1,000 appearances

Ryan Giggs is eyeing the 1,000 appearance mark after signing a new 12 months contract with Manchester United .

He is expected to feature in his 900th game for the Red Devils in the Europa League clash against Ajax on Thursday night.

Having extended his current deal at United by an additional 12 months, Giggs is looking to reach the 1,000 game mark in his 22rd year with the club.

“If I finish this season well and play a lot next season, I should do it, which would be great because not many have done that," he said.

"Wingers certainly don’t do that very often! If I did it, it would be another thing to be proud of and to cherish."

After seeing most of the first-half of last season decimated by injury, Giggs was beginning to contemplate ending his career last summer.

However, the second half of the campaign saw United claim a 12th league title and Giggs feature in his fourth European Cup final against Barcelona. The whole season is full of action and excitement, Giggs' experience is vital and important during the big game.

Whilst the likes of Paul Scholes, Gary Neville and Edwin van der Sar opted to hang up their boots, the vetera decided to play on, making 23 appearances and scoring three goals this term.

Scholes has since come out of retirement to join United in their pursuit of Manchester City in the Premier League, and the 38-year-old says choosing the right time to retire is always tough.

“When to retire is difficult," he said. "Do you quit too early or go that one too many games and let people see you on the slide?

"It’s hard for me, even with my experience, not to play or be involved and last season was difficult before Christmas. I didn’t play many games, I had a hamstring injury and had a chat with the gaffer, saying I was frustrated, but he said I would get my games.

"I was thinking maybe it could be my last season, but towards the end, I didn’t want the season to stop. Retirement is just a decision that I have to take my time with because I feel different after each game.

"After the 3-3 game at Chelsea recently, it was a really hard game, but I felt brilliant afterwards. Yet there have been other games when I haven’t felt so good. After the game at Arsenal, I didn’t feel so great, so it’s swings and roundabouts.

“You can’t decide after one game. It’s just something I really need to think about and take my time over.”