Fergie hails ‘cunning’ Giggs

ALEX FERGUSON has pinpointed the extra cunning Ryan Giggs has developed as one of the major reasons the winger is producing some of the most consistent performances of his career.

The most decorated player in Manchester United history has already become a front-runner for the major player of the year awards this term.

Now approaching his 33rd birthday, Giggs shows no sign of slowing down with age and Ferguson knows his continued excellent form could be crucial as United look to secure their ninth Premiership title this term.

“Ryan has added the bit of cunning to his game that experienced players have,” noted Ferguson.

“Defenders find it difficult to pick him up because he takes them into areas they don’t want to be in.

“Players do tend to get more consistency as they get older. They know themselves better and Ryan has never changed his lifestyle.

“He has always kept his feet on the ground. By living the right way and playing the game the right way, he is able to last longer and we are getting the benefit of that.”

Giggs is already assured his place in an unchanged Red Devils line-up for tomorrow’s trip to Sheffield United, with skipper Gary Neville now recovered from a troublesome calf injury and Cristiano Ronaldo over the ankle knock he picked up in last weekend’s victory at Blackburn.

The Ewood Park victory, United’s sixth successive league win, maintained a three-point cushion over Chelsea at the Premiership summit.

With Jose Mourinho’s back-to-back champions due at Old Trafford on Sunday week, Ferguson knows a triumph over the Blades is vital to ensure his side maintain their present cushion over the Londoners in what is increasingly appearing to be a two-horse race.

However, Ferguson is acutely aware Sheffield United will be no pushovers.

Neil Warnock’s men have already proved their credentials this term, holding Liverpool to a draw on the opening day, then scrambling back from two goals down to snatch a point off Bolton last weekend.

And Ferguson has nothing but respect for Warnock, who he is aware will have the South Yorkshire outfit fully pumped up for their first league meeting with the Red Devils for 13 seasons.

“Neil is passionate about his club,” said Ferguson.

“He is a Sheffield United supporter, so he is bound to be proud managing the club. There is nothing wrong with that.

“He is an outgoing character and a bit controversial at times but like every other club coming out of the Championship, his team will be fighting for points, as they have every right to do.

“When you look at the bottom of the league, there are eight or nine teams down there all within two or three points of each other.

“It must give them optimism they can stay up.”

One man who will not be involved at Bramall Lane is young midfielder David Jones, who joined Derby on loan this week in a deal which will turn into a permanent transfer in January.