Irwin stunned by Giggs' latest milestone

Denis Irwin cannot believe old team-mate Ryan Giggs is on the brink of completing an incredible 900 games for Manchester United.

Giggs turned out for the 899th time in Saturday’s stormy Premier League encounter with Liverpool.

As United’s next two games are in the Europa League, when they take on Ajax in a last 32 clash, there must be some doubt over when the Welshman will achieve the feat.

However, whenever it is, Irwin feels Giggs will go down as one of the very best the Old Trafford club has ever had.

“It is incredible really that he is still as sharp and as driven as he is,” said Irwin.

“To make 900 appearances for a club like this, to stay at the top of his game and to change it as well is unbelievable.

“Everyone knew him as an out-and-out winger. To change his thought process on a football field is testament to how good a player he is.”

Irwin arrived at Old Trafford in 1990, in the wake of the club’s FA Cup final triumph over Crystal Palace.

Within two years, the pair were winning a trophy together when United overcame Nottingham Forest in the League Cup final.

“We all knew about him,” said Irwin. “He was one of these kids who was seven stone wet through.

“He is not far off now. He could run like the wind and he had such great ability and skill.

“He played on the left wing in front of me for 10 years and the best thing about him was that he could do his defensive duties as well.

“He never shirked that responsibility and still doesn’t now.”

As someone who carried on playing until he was 38 and is now involved in the media, Irwin can offer some firm advice about which is the better method of earning a living.

It is why Irwin was so happy to discover Giggs was going to play on for another year.

“He looks sharp enough when he plays and I don’t see a problem,” he said.

“You should play as long as you can, especially at this level. And especially here.”