Evergreen Giggs gives Grant a false start

MANCHESTER UNITED began the season fearful that the departure of a 24-year-old Portuguese winger would destroy their title equilibrium.

They should have known a 36-year-old Welshman would inevitably restore the balance.

Ryan Giggs celebrated his birthday on Sunday 24 hours after rolling back the years with a vintage performance that inspired his team to a routine victory over Portsmouth and eased memories of Cristiano Ronaldo gently into the shadows.