As described by Sky’s Jeff Stelling; ‘You don’t bring the Rolls Royce out of the garage very often, but when you do it purrs.”
40-year-old Ryan Giggs was selected to start for the first time by Manchester United since January 7, and did not disappoint.
A man for the big occasion, playing his 140th Champions League game, Giggs added a composure and assurance which helped his teammates steady their own nerves and set about scoring the three goals required to progress.
Giggs made two key passes leading to goalscoring opportunities, only equalled by Robin van Persie on the night.
He touched the ball 60 times, 21 more times than fellow midfielder Michael Carrick, while his four interceptions were more than the rest of the midfield altogether.
His display added a bit of much-needed stardust to Moyes’ side, and begged the question of why the Welshman had not been playing more regularly.
The manager responded post-game his intention had been to give younger players a chance in recent weeks, with the knowledge Giggs would not be around forever.
The conundrum is that no alternatives have really stepped up, and Giggs was impressive enough that this single performance may encourage the midfielder to consider playing on for one more season.
Whether he can be expected to perform the same sort of heroics should United draw Bayern Munich in the next round however, is another matter.
Here’s how fans reacted on Twitter last night to Giggs’ display:
Source: HITCsport
“Vote for your favourite artistes to win in the #ZZINAwards this April. Visit; www.galaxyfm.co.ug or Vote on your phone by dialling *289*4# and follow prompts. Voting closes on April 26th 2014.”
