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Greater experience gives Manchester United the edge in Premier League title race, says Ryan Giggs
The Welsh veteran, who has won the competition 12 times under manager Sir Alex Ferguson, believes that team's know-how can prove the difference between his side and Manchester City
29 Dec 2011 11:20:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Ryan Giggs believes that Manchester United’s greater experience of performing under pressure gives them the edge in the Premier League title race.
The Red Devils are behind fierce rivals Manchester City on goal difference at the top of the table, having chased down a long-standing points deficit and the Welshman, who has won 12 league titles during his time at Old Trafford, feels that they are in the stronger position.
“The experience that the manager, the players and the coaching staff have of what's required in the second half of the season, as well as the overall hunger and desire to win competitions, will help us,” Giggs told the club’s official website.
“Big players can't wait for big games. Towards the end of the season the games just get bigger and bigger.
“For me personally, you want that in the run-in - you want to be involved in big games and going for the title. That's why you become a footballer.”
Giggs acknowledges that United’s elimination from the Champions League and League Cup has been frustrating for everyone involved with the club, but believes that the team’s progress in the league has been more than satisfactory.
“It's been a strong start from us,” he stated.
“Obviously City have got off to a better start but we're pleased with where we are in the table and especially the form in the moment.
“We'll just look to kick on as we always do in the second half of the season and hopefully we'll have a bit more luck with injuries and have a strong run after Christmas."
He added: “You're always going to get criticism here. If you're not top of the league there's something wrong and if you get knocked out of competitions then we're always going to get criticised.
“That's something that you just have to get used to. You can't sulk or moan about it, you've just got to get on with it and play good football like we have been doing.
“We've had setbacks throughout the years and you learn from them and they can help in a way. I've experienced that throughout my career - you might hit bad form or you miss a good chance, and you can't wait for the next game so you can rectify it.
“I'm sure all the lads felt like that after the City game and after the Basel game, which was a big disappointment too. You're going to get setbacks but it's how you react to them and thankfully we've come back strong.”
Having scored 16 goals and conceded just one in four Premier League games since dropping out of the Champions League, United’s next chance to continue their title challenge comes on December 31 when they host struggling Blackburn Rovers.
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The Red Devils are behind fierce rivals Manchester City on goal difference at the top of the table, having chased down a long-standing points deficit and the Welshman, who has won 12 league titles during his time at Old Trafford, feels that they are in the stronger position.
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“The experience that the manager, the players and the coaching staff have of what's required in the second half of the season, as well as the overall hunger and desire to win competitions, will help us,” Giggs told the club’s official website.
“Big players can't wait for big games. Towards the end of the season the games just get bigger and bigger.
“For me personally, you want that in the run-in - you want to be involved in big games and going for the title. That's why you become a footballer.”
Giggs acknowledges that United’s elimination from the Champions League and League Cup has been frustrating for everyone involved with the club, but believes that the team’s progress in the league has been more than satisfactory.
“It's been a strong start from us,” he stated.
“Obviously City have got off to a better start but we're pleased with where we are in the table and especially the form in the moment.
“We'll just look to kick on as we always do in the second half of the season and hopefully we'll have a bit more luck with injuries and have a strong run after Christmas."
He added: “You're always going to get criticism here. If you're not top of the league there's something wrong and if you get knocked out of competitions then we're always going to get criticised.
“That's something that you just have to get used to. You can't sulk or moan about it, you've just got to get on with it and play good football like we have been doing.
“We've had setbacks throughout the years and you learn from them and they can help in a way. I've experienced that throughout my career - you might hit bad form or you miss a good chance, and you can't wait for the next game so you can rectify it.
“I'm sure all the lads felt like that after the City game and after the Basel game, which was a big disappointment too. You're going to get setbacks but it's how you react to them and thankfully we've come back strong.”
Having scored 16 goals and conceded just one in four Premier League games since dropping out of the Champions League, United’s next chance to continue their title challenge comes on December 31 when they host struggling Blackburn Rovers.
How do you stay up to date with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com – your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
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