Winning a tenth Premier League
title, scoring the title-confirming goal and equalling Sir Bobby
Charlton’s appearances record… Sunday 11 May was a memorable day at the
office for Ryan Giggs.
Here we tell the story of his ten titles, from the unforgettable first when he was aged just 19…
1992/93 - 40(1) games, 9 goals
The
wiry, inexperienced kid who missed out on the First Division title the
previous season helped the Reds become the first Premier League
winners. His most spectacular goal came in the 1-1 draw against Spurs
at White Hart Lane - a mazy dribble, exquisitely finished - and he
struck an unstoppable free-kick in the 3-1 win over Blackburn in the
final home game.
1993/94 - 32 (6) games, 13 goals
Giggs’
two goals in East Anglia were crucial to this second Premier League
success. At Norwich his (and United’s) first goal of the season got the
Reds off to a flier, then 10 months later he netted the winning goal at
Ipswich, a victory that clinched the title. In between times he created
and scored plenty more, registering his highest tally for league goals
in a season.
1995/96 - 30(3) games, 11 goals
‘The Kids’ wrapped
up the double and, despite being only 23, Giggsy was one of the side’s
relative veterans. His winning goal at Everton early in the season
steadied the ship and his superb 20-yard winner against City at Maine
Road kept United’s title charge on course. Last day victory at the
Riverside - with Ryan scoring the third - saw the Reds pip Newcastle to
the title.
1996/97 - 25(1) games, 3 goals
While
our Ryan didn’t score the number of goals his overall contribution
deserved, he still more than earned his fourth league winners’ medal.
It is no coincidence that he was injured when the side suffered its
worst run of results - three successive defeats in late October / early
November.
1998/99 - 20(4) games, 3 goals
Competition
for his place in the team, presented by Swedish international Jesper
Blomqvist, brought the best out of Ryan. He memorably scored in two
semi-finals - at home to Juventus in the Champions League and against
Arsenal in the FA Cup replay - but his solo effort away at Coventry was
also vital in the league leg of the Treble.
1999/00 - 30 games, 6 goals
The Welshman was in
his prime - destroying defences with his quick feet, perfectly balanced
dribbling and raw pace. Widely regarded as the best left-sided
midfielder in world football, he produced top displays on a weekly
basis. The pick of these was his two-goal display in the 4-2 win
against West Ham at Upton Park.
2000/01 - 24(7) games, 5 goals
“This
time in second gear” sang the supporters after United made it three
titles in a row (at a canter) but there was nothing low-key about
Giggs’ contribution. Though his delicate hamstrings again limited him
to fewer appearances than he’d have liked, he was again a vital
contributor. Fittingly he scored in the home win that secured the
title, 4-1 against Coventry, with a looping header.
2002/03 - 32(4) games, 8 goals
It
started well and finished well but it’s fair to say this wasn’t Ryan’s
best season. Having scored in two of the first three games - at Chelsea
and Sunderland - it was not until the final run-in that he really came
to the boil. Though not famed for his aerial prowess, it was his
equalising header at Highbury that kept Arsenal at bay. Three games
later, the title was ours.
2006/07 - 25(5) games, 4 goals
Every title-winning
season has a key game, one that is later looked back on as crucial, and
for Ryan’s ninth title, it was Fulham away. Best remembered for
Ronaldo’s late winner, this fixture also featured a great equaliser
from Giggs - a delicate left-foot volley across the keeper. It was one
of many excellent displays during a season in which he played on the
wing, in the middle and up front.
2007/08 - 26(5) games, 3 goals
Unmarked
on the edge of the Wigan penalty area, substitute Ryan receives a pass
from Wayne Rooney and slots home the ball effortlessly to send United
fans the world over into raptures. At the final whistle, the away fans
at the JJB serenaded the Welshman with “That boy Giggsy, he’s won it
ten times.”
source : http://www.manutd.com
