Queiroz leaps to Giggs’ defence

Carlos Queiroz has admitted Ryan Giggs is not on top form just now – but blasted back at suggestions that the Welshman is not trying.

Giggs' performances have come under increasing scrutiny over the festive period as United have struggled to peg back Arsenal at the top of the Premiership.

While the likes of Juan Sebastian Veron and Phil Neville were outstanding during United's pre-Christmas eight-match winning streak, the 29-year-old's contribution waned to an alarming degree.

He was left on the bench by Alex Ferguson for the Premiership wins over Birmingham and Sunderland, although the United manager immediately quashed suggestions that Giggs was no longer part of his plans.

That did not stop the rumour mill going into overdrive, raising speculation over a possible £20million move to Serie A giants Inter Milan.

Giggs was quick to knock back that talk, insisting he wanted to honour the five-year contract he signed with United last term.

However, a large section of the Old Trafford support believe the club should cash in on their longest-serving player, with some accusing him of not trying in Tuesday's 1-1 draw with Blackburn in which he was replaced by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It is an accusation which brought a stinging riposte from Queiroz.

"Nobody can point a finger at Ryan and say he is not trying," said the United assistant boss.

"On Tuesday, he tried as much as he possibly could. He just didn't succeed. Giggs' contribution is often overlooked compared to that of David Beckham because when the England skipper has a bad day, he will still dive into tackles or charge around the field trying to change things.

Queiroz admitted that is not Giggs' style but pointed to the number of games he has played for the club this season as evidence he is still an influential member of the United squad.

"Together with Mikael Silvestre, Ryan has played more minutes of football this season than anyone else," he said. Ferguson faces an immediate test of his faith in Giggs because of skipper Roy Keane's likely return at West Brom tomorrow.

Keane missed the Blackburn encounter with a hamstring strain but is now fit to resume his role in the centre of United's midfield, which means one of Tuesday's starting line-up is certain to miss out.

Under normal circumstances, that man would be Phil Neville. However, Neville was one of United's better performers against Rovers and both Juan Sebastian Veron and Paul Scholes have operated in Giggs' usual left-wing berth at times this season.

United will start strong favourites tomorrow but have a poor record on their travels this term and were given a rough ride by the Baggies on the opening day of the season.

On that occasion, Solskjaer struck a late winner but only after Gary Megson's side had been reduced to 10 men with the dismissal of skipper Derek McInnes.

With the Midlands outfit struggling to avoid the drop, Queiroz does not expect any easier contest, especially as the Red Devils have only won two away games this season, at Charlton and Liverpool a statistic which must change.

"They cannot afford to lose, we cannot afford not to win," observed the former Portugal coach.

"For that reason alone it will be very competitive. I'm not sure why our away form hasn't been as good as at home but we need to start getting some results," said Queiroz.