Ryan Giggs at 40: 22 seasons and counting
- Published
Just two days before his 40th birthday, Ryan Giggs is at the heart of the celebrations as Manchester United beat Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 in the Champions League. It is Giggs's 953rd appearance for the Red Devils.
A young Ryan Giggs embraces Eric Cantona after scoring as Manchester United, who had won the league title for the first time in 26 years, beat Blackburn Rovers 3-1 at Old Trafford in May 1993.
Manchester United won the Premier League title again in 1993-94. Here Giggs celebrates with Paul Ince after scoring United's second goal in their 2-0 win against Leeds United at Elland Road, a victory that helped the Red Devils finish eight points ahead of second-placed Blackburn Rovers.
Giggs in action for Manchester United against Manchester City during their 3-0 win at Maine Road in 1994-95. In the same season, Giggs scored in a 3-0 win against Wimbledon at Old Trafford, however Blackburn won the league title on the final day with the Red Devils one point behind in second place.
But Manchester United bounced back a season later in 1995-96 to regain the title. Giggs, who scored 11 times in the season, is pictured after scoring a crucial goal for United in their 3-2 win against Manchester City at Maine Road. Giggs's side later completed the Double by beating Liverpool in the FA Cup final.
A fourth title in five years came Manchester United's way in the 1996-97 season. Giggs, pictured in his side's tight 2-1 victory against Wimbledon at Old Trafford, scored three league goals this season - netting against Nottingham Forest, Coventry City and Wimbledon.
Arsenal won the Premier League title for the first time in the 1997-98 season, finishing one point ahead of Manchester United. The Red Devils scored 73 goals throughout the campaign with Giggs here celebrating his goal with David Beckham during his side's 7-0 thrashing of Barnsley at Old Trafford.
Manchester United clinched the Treble of the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup in 1998-99. Giggs scored the winner in a thrilling FA Cup semi-final against Arsenal
Manchester United won the Premier League again in 1999-00, their sixth title in eight years. Giggs lifts the ball over Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Ian Walker to score during United's 3-1 loss at White Hart Lane, one of only three league defeats all season for the Red Devils.
After celebrating 10 years since his first-team debut for Manchester United, Giggs scores in their 3-0 victory against Bradford City at Valley Parade in 2000-01, a season that again ends with United lifting the trophy as they finish 10 points ahead of Arsene Wenger's Arsenal.
Giggs scores in Manchester United's 4-3 victory against Leeds United at Elland Road. But there would be no league title this season as United come third, behind champions Arsenal and second-placed Liverpool.
Giggs celebrates scoring Manchester United's equaliser during their 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Highbury in 2002-03. The result helps United lift another title at the end of the season, finishing five points ahead of the Gunners.
More action from the 2002-03 season as Giggs scores Manchester United's second goal in their 3-1 win against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Giggs scores 16 times in all competitions during this campaign, including braces against Olympiakos, West Ham and Juventus.
Giggs fires in his second goal for Manchester United in their 2-1 win against Liverpool at Anfield during 2003-04. But United finish third, 15 points behind Arsene Wenger's 'Invincibles' as Arsenal win the title, remaining unbeaten all season.
Another third-placed finish for Manchester United in 2004-05. Giggs is pictured scoring in his side's 2-0 win against Bolton Wanderers at Old Trafford. But Chelsea, backed by Roman Abramovich's millions, are celebrating at the end of the season with their first league title in 50 years.
Giggs scores the opening goal for Manchester United in their 3-0 win against Birmingham City at Old Trafford in 2005-06. But United can only finish runners-up as Jose Mourinho claims another league title as his Chelsea side, who only drop two points at home all season, finish top by eight points.
After four seasons off the top, Manchester United win the 2006-07 league title. Giggs is pictured scoring the equaliser for United in their 2-1 win against Fulham at Craven Cottage, a result that helps his side finish six points ahead of Chelsea.
The 2007-08 season was another great one for Manchester United. They edge out Chelsea to win the Premier League title on the final day of the season and then defeat the London club in the Champions League final. Giggs is pictured celebrating United's second goal in their 2-0 win against Wigan.
Ryan Giggs is named BBC Sports Personality of the Year for 2009 as he helps Manchester United win the Premier League title for the third successive year.
There is no Premier League title in 2009-10 as Manchester United miss out on the final day of the season with Chelsea lifting the trophy. Giggs maintains his record of scoring in every Premier League season and is pictured scoring a penalty for United in their 3-1 win against Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford.
Giggs scores Manchester United's third goal in their 5-0 win against Birmingham City at Old Trafford in 2010-11. Another league title comes to the Old Trafford club as they finish nine points ahead of Chelsea and Manchester City.
Giggs continues to show his importance for Manchester United in their 2-1 win against Norwich City at Carrow Road in 2011-12. But it does not count for much at the end of the season as Manchester City win the title in dramatic circumstances thanks to Sergio Aguero's goal late in the last game of the season.
Giggs scores the opening goal for Manchester United, past former team-mate Phil Neville, in their 2-0 win against Everton at Old Trafford during 2012-13, a result that left United 12 points ahead of Manchester City as they went on to clinch their 13th Premier League title.
Having seen Sir Alex Ferguson depart in the summer, Ryan Giggs starts his 22nd season at United under the stewardship of David Moyes and plays against his hometown club of Cardiff for the first time. Giggs is still searching for his first goal of the 2013-14 season
- Published10 February 2013
- Published24 January 2013
- Published21 December 2012