Wayne Rooney wants a Ryan Giggs statue

WAYNE ROONEY reckons Manchester United should erect a bronze statue to celebrate the amazing career of birthday-boy Ryan Giggs.

The United ace says it would be a fitting tribute to the Welsh star, who began his Old Trafford career as a 17 year old and turned 38 today.

Rooney purred: "If there's one player over the last 20 to 25 years who deserves a statue outside Old Trafford, it's Ryan Giggs.

"Because what Giggsy has done here is absolutely incredible.

"He made his debut as a 17 year old and so to still be playing at the top level 21 years later is a magnificent achievement.

"He has been fantastic for this football club and to still be performing so well at his age is phenomenal. Giggsy's a wonderful example around the club too, the way he trains, the way he prepares and to see him working so hard on his game every day explains why he is so special."

Giggs made his debut on March 2 1991 and has now made a record 887 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring 161 goals. He surpassed Sir Bobby Charlton's old United appearance record of 758 the day United lifted their third European Cup in Moscow in 2008.

There are currently two statues outside the Theatre of Dreams.

One is to legendary manager Sir Matt Busby and the other pays homage to three of United's greatest stars — Charlton, George Best and Denis Law. And maybe one day there will be one for Rooney if he surpasses the great Sir Bobby's United record of 249 goals for the club.

So far 26-year-old Rooney has hit 158 goals in 337 games — a terrific strike rate of one goal every two games and he has the record in his sights.

The former Everton hitman already has a dozen goals for United this term in 16 games.

Rooney added: "It would be fantastic if ever I could reach such a record and become the all-time top scorer for Manchester United. I would be absolutely thrilled to do it.

"I look at it and I certainly feel I'm capable of doing it over the next five or six years.

"If I do, then it would be an incredible achievement for me personally.

"I would be so honoured and proud. Sir Bobby Charlton is an absolute legend, a true great and it would be amazing to overtake his record which has stood for so long.

"But while it is an ambition of mine I know that in this game you can't take anything for granted — you can never be sure of anything in football.

"Injuries can happen, all sorts of things can happen but yes, if I stay fit and in form then I have a real chance."