No player is as synonymous with Manchester United's rise to dominance under Sir Alex Ferguson as the Welsh Wizard, Ryan Giggs. Blessed with a deft touch, outstanding balance, explosive speed and eye for goal, Giggs broke the great Sir Bobby Charlton's club record of 758 appearances when he came on as a substitute for Paul Scholes during United's Champions League victory over Chelsea in May 2008.
Over his 18 years at Old Trafford Giggs' career is littered with memorable moments, not least of which was winning the Champions League against Bayern Munich on that famous night in Barcelona in 1999. Giggs was an integral part of that outstanding Champions League-winning side, including David Beckham and Nicky Butt, which also brought the Premiership title and FA Cup back to Old Trafford.
En route to that treble Giggs scored what many consider to be the greatest goal in FA Cup history against Arsenal in extra time of the semi-final replay at Villa Park. Picking up the ball in his own half he ghosted past four defenders before unleashing a shot high into David Seaman's net.
Giggs is the most decorated footballer in Manchester United's history having raked in ten Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, a UEFA Super Cup and two Champions League medals.
Signing professional forms at 17, Giggs carved himself a niche in the hearts of United fans early in his career, scoring on his debut the only goal in a 1-0 win over local rivals Manchester City. He became a first-team regular in the 1991-92 season and scooped consecutive PFA Young Player of the Year awards in 1992 and 1993.
The flying winger, who has also played 64 games and scored 12 goals for Wales, still has the ability to change games on his own and remains a key component in United's armoury. He is the consummate professional and in 2007 he was awarded the OBE for services to football.
Born29 Nov 1973
Place Of BirthCardiff, Wales
Height1.80 m (5' 11'')
PositionWinger
ClubsManchester United
CountryWales
Major Club HonoursManchester United: League Cup, 1992, 2006
Premier League, 1993, 1994, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008
FA Cup, 1994, 1996, 1999, 2004
UEFA Champions League, 1999, 2008
Intercontinental Cup, 1999