Sir Alex said before the game that he would happily take a 1-0 victory in this Champions League semi-final, first leg. And United can take heart from an outstanding display of vigour and verve. But after the mauling Arsenal received, the Reds boss can surely only conclude that the winning margin should have been greater.
Right from the off United’s players, backed by an absolutely incredible support, were revved up and right in the faces of the beleaguered Gunners. Carlos Tevez was rewarded for his match-changing second-half display against Tottenham at the weekend with a place in the starting line-up – and he played like he had a statement to make.
Sir Alex’s team selection suggested speed and energy were of the essence. And, spurred on by a fired-up Old Trafford crowd, the Reds made a blistering start, with Wayne Rooney forcing an excellent save from Manuel Almunia after just two minutes. Then Cristiano Ronaldo flashed a cross-shot across the face of goal. It was upbeat and high-tempo stuff, as expected. But Arsenal were nowhere to be seen early on against the hungry-looking Reds.
Tevez was snap-at-your ankles enthusiastic, Ronaldo and Rooney both looked lively and Darren Fletcher maintained his excellent recent form in the heart of midfield. For Arsenal, away from home and with Emmanuel Adebayor up front on his own, theirs was always bound to be a more patient approach. But even when their first spell of possession eventually arrived, they were booed and barracked into submission.
United pressed on and after 16 minutes Almunia again came to Arsenal’s rescue. A brilliant interchange from Tevez and Ronaldo saw the ball worked out wide to John O’Shea, and the Irishman’s cross found Tevez’s run, but his shot was stopped at point-blank range by Almunia.
United were soon rewarded, however, in the form of the most unlikely hero: O'Shea. Carrick was lurking at the back post from the resulting corner, and his deflected pull-back found the Reds right-back six yards out and he thumped the ball home. As if the noise levels weren’t loud enough, the deafening celebrations carried far into the Manchester night. And there was barely an opportunity to catch your breath as the Reds went in search of a second.
Arsenal’s first attempt came just before the half-hour mark when Cesc Fabregas’ low shot was well held by van der Sar, but other than a five-minute spell of possession towards the end of the half, that was largely it.
Seconds after Fabregas’ effort, Almunia was called upon again; Tevez scampered down the right wing, skinned Kieran Gibbs and crossed for Ronaldo, whose powerful header was palmed away by Arsenal’s Spanish stopper. Moments later he denied Ronaldo again, this time a curled shot from the edge of the area. Were it not for Almunia, this tie could have been out of sight inside the first half.
United's frenetic tempo naturally dropped in the second half, Arsenal certainly had more of the ball than they had in the opening 45 minutes. The danger for United was that a quick Arsenal counter attack could yield that prized possession: an away goal. Adebayor went close just after the hour with a arcing volley from 30 yards out, but fortunately it went over. It was, if nothing else, a warning.
decided on a change with 20 minutes to go, replacing Tevez with Dimitar Berbatov, and Anderson with Ryan Giggs, remarkably making his 800th appearance. Tevez shook his head in disappointment at the decision – a gesture that may or may not be over analysed in the press, but in reality it was natural of any player withdrawn from such a high-profile and enthralling game.
Shortly after the swap, Ronaldo sent a rasping 30-yard shot crashing off the bar, then minutes later an effort from Carrick fizzed wide; Sir Alex must have been scratching his head with bemusement as to how his side were not more than a goal to the good.
The baying Old Trafford crowd sensed Arsenal's vulnerability and mercilessly shouted: 'attack, attack, attack'. United did just that, and Giggs had the ball in the back of the net on 78 minutes, but he was flagged offside. It was a tight call that won little home approval - largely because the officials gave very little United's way all night - but on this occasion they probably got it right.
Arsenal may see containing a rampant United as their main plus point – and they have much to thank Almunia for – but if the Reds play anything like this in North London next week, a trip to Rome surely awaits. This was a job well done, but only half done.
It's not over
The Reds boss admitted United could have all but booked a place in Rome’s final next month, but instead he’ll settle for a slender but certainly advantageous lead at the halfway point.
“Of course you have to be disappointed that we didn’t take more of our chances,” he told reporters. “The goalkeeper [Manuel Almunia] made three fantastic saves. But the pleasing aspect for me was that we said before the game we wanted to score and not concede. We’ve done that.
“The performance level was very good and we have given ourselves a good chance of getting to the final. The tie isn’t over, of course, but we have the players who can score a goal, and we will be a big goal threat at the Emirates.
“We did very well with some terrific play at times. But it was reminiscent of the FA Cup final we had against Arsenal in 2005, where they won on penalty kicks after we’d had so many chances… at least we scored this time! And we haven’t lost an away goal, that is the key to it all.”
Sir Alex wants to see a similarly colossal defensive display at the Emirates – although United may have to do that without Rio Ferdinand, who sustained a rib injury. “Arsenal had possession, without really doing anything. They had a half chance from [Niklas] Bendtner’s header, but otherwise we contained them very well. That’s credit to our defending. When we concentrate, we can produce excellent performances like that. We need that to get through this tie, but I think we can also score.”
The Reds boss has promised a cracker at Old Trafford, but only his team kept up that part of the bargain. Arsene Wenger vowed that the world would see a different Arsenal in six days’ time. That may be the case, but United are ready to go the distance if necessary.
“Arsenal have to be [different next Tuesday],” added Sir Alex. “Arsene will be thinking it was a good day for him. They could have been out of the tie, but they’re not. The other way to look at it is that we tend to do things the hard way, and tonight we perhaps frustrated our fans where we should maybe be in the final, but we’re not. That’s the nature of this club, we’ve done it many times. We did it in the last round, and we might need to go right to the wire again.”
“Of course you have to be disappointed that we didn’t take more of our chances,” he told reporters. “The goalkeeper [Manuel Almunia] made three fantastic saves. But the pleasing aspect for me was that we said before the game we wanted to score and not concede. We’ve done that.
“The performance level was very good and we have given ourselves a good chance of getting to the final. The tie isn’t over, of course, but we have the players who can score a goal, and we will be a big goal threat at the Emirates.
“We did very well with some terrific play at times. But it was reminiscent of the FA Cup final we had against Arsenal in 2005, where they won on penalty kicks after we’d had so many chances… at least we scored this time! And we haven’t lost an away goal, that is the key to it all.”
Sir Alex wants to see a similarly colossal defensive display at the Emirates – although United may have to do that without Rio Ferdinand, who sustained a rib injury. “Arsenal had possession, without really doing anything. They had a half chance from [Niklas] Bendtner’s header, but otherwise we contained them very well. That’s credit to our defending. When we concentrate, we can produce excellent performances like that. We need that to get through this tie, but I think we can also score.”
The Reds boss has promised a cracker at Old Trafford, but only his team kept up that part of the bargain. Arsene Wenger vowed that the world would see a different Arsenal in six days’ time. That may be the case, but United are ready to go the distance if necessary.
“Arsenal have to be [different next Tuesday],” added Sir Alex. “Arsene will be thinking it was a good day for him. They could have been out of the tie, but they’re not. The other way to look at it is that we tend to do things the hard way, and tonight we perhaps frustrated our fans where we should maybe be in the final, but we’re not. That’s the nature of this club, we’ve done it many times. We did it in the last round, and we might need to go right to the wire again.”
Rio rib injury
The centre-half left the field a few minutes before the end of the European champions' 1-0 victory, having taken a blow to his torso as the Gunners pressed unsuccessfully for an equaliser.
Ferdinand sustained the injury in a ruck of players when Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed over from a Cesc Fabregas free-kick, the nearest the visitors came to breaching the Reds' rock-solid back line.
"Rio got a crack right on the ribs and we hope there’s nothing broken," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
"If you get a rib injury, you could be out for two to three weeks maybe. We just have to wait for the (hospital) results obviously."
Jonny Evans came on for Rio to help the Reds complete a priceless clean sheet and the young Irishman is now set to deputise for at least Saturday's league game at Middlesbrough.
Ferdinand sustained the injury in a ruck of players when Arsenal substitute Nicklas Bendtner headed over from a Cesc Fabregas free-kick, the nearest the visitors came to breaching the Reds' rock-solid back line.
"Rio got a crack right on the ribs and we hope there’s nothing broken," said Sir Alex Ferguson.
"If you get a rib injury, you could be out for two to three weeks maybe. We just have to wait for the (hospital) results obviously."
Jonny Evans came on for Rio to help the Reds complete a priceless clean sheet and the young Irishman is now set to deputise for at least Saturday's league game at Middlesbrough.
John O'Shea's reprisal of the unlikely hero's role came at a timely moment for himself
The Irishman said his dad was uppermost in his thoughts after he scored United's winning goal against Arsenal, on the eve of his 28th birthday.
"It’s a little early birthday present for me but I have to dedicate that one to my dad," O'Shea told Sky Sports. "He’s been having a tough time of late, I’m sure this will cheer him up a bit."
The goal also brought cheer to more than 75,000 fans inside Old Trafford, not to mention millions of Reds around the world following the riveting Champions League semi-final. But the masses may share O'Shea's feeling that United should have won by more.
"On our first half display, we could have been a couple more goals up," said O'Shea. "Their keeper made a couple of great saves. We have a lead, we’ve kept a clean sheet and we know we’re capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. But the tie's definitely not over."
O'Shea believes a game-plan paid dividends for United, specifically the tactic "to squeeze high up the pitch as much as we could, just to keep the pressure on Arsenal and hopefully win the ball back to play from there.
"It worked very well, especially in the first half and sometimes in the second half. But Arsenal are a good team, they kept the ball well at times and it’s hard to get it back from them. I think in the second leg we need to improve our retaining possession but over all we have to be happy."
Sir Alex Ferguson praised the Irishman's attitude and even went as far as to promise him a place in the starting line-up should United make the final in Rome. "John is one of the great professionals of our time," said the boss. "He never complains and he’s happy to play anywhere. He knows that, over the years, he has not always been the number one choice.
"But he will produce some fantastic performances over the course of the season, and that is a contribution we are very grateful for. Those contributions have been left-back, centre-back, right-back and midfield… he is so versatile and can play in a lot of positions. That is his great value to us.
"He took the goal really well. The ball deflected off an Arsenal defender and he had to react quickly, and it was a good controlled shot. This season he has not missed many games. Now if you asked me whether he would play if we were in the final, I would say yes."
"It’s a little early birthday present for me but I have to dedicate that one to my dad," O'Shea told Sky Sports. "He’s been having a tough time of late, I’m sure this will cheer him up a bit."
The goal also brought cheer to more than 75,000 fans inside Old Trafford, not to mention millions of Reds around the world following the riveting Champions League semi-final. But the masses may share O'Shea's feeling that United should have won by more.
"On our first half display, we could have been a couple more goals up," said O'Shea. "Their keeper made a couple of great saves. We have a lead, we’ve kept a clean sheet and we know we’re capable of scoring an away goal at the Emirates. But the tie's definitely not over."
O'Shea believes a game-plan paid dividends for United, specifically the tactic "to squeeze high up the pitch as much as we could, just to keep the pressure on Arsenal and hopefully win the ball back to play from there.
"It worked very well, especially in the first half and sometimes in the second half. But Arsenal are a good team, they kept the ball well at times and it’s hard to get it back from them. I think in the second leg we need to improve our retaining possession but over all we have to be happy."
Sir Alex Ferguson praised the Irishman's attitude and even went as far as to promise him a place in the starting line-up should United make the final in Rome. "John is one of the great professionals of our time," said the boss. "He never complains and he’s happy to play anywhere. He knows that, over the years, he has not always been the number one choice.
"But he will produce some fantastic performances over the course of the season, and that is a contribution we are very grateful for. Those contributions have been left-back, centre-back, right-back and midfield… he is so versatile and can play in a lot of positions. That is his great value to us.
"He took the goal really well. The ball deflected off an Arsenal defender and he had to react quickly, and it was a good controlled shot. This season he has not missed many games. Now if you asked me whether he would play if we were in the final, I would say yes."
John O'Shea's first-half goal
John O'Shea's first-half goal gave Sir Alex Ferguson the result he had asked for as Manchester United FC beat Arsenal FC 1-0 in the opening leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final.
Deserved victory
Sir Alex said on the eve of the game that he would be "delighted" to win 1-0 and that is exactly what he got through defender O'Shea's close-range effort after 17 minutes. It was a deserved victory for the defending champions and leaves Arsenal requiring a big improvement in the second leg next Tuesday when they must try to defeat United by two clear goals for the first time in 20 matches.
High tempo
Both these teams are renowned for their fine attacking football but it was United who took the honours here. The defending champions flew out of the blocks and inside the second minute Wayne Rooney's looping header put Manuel Almunia at full stretch to make the save. Semi-finals can be cautious affairs but United veered from the script, their early high tempo typified by Carlos Tévez, racing around like a man with a point to prove on his first European start since December.
Reward
The hosts' urgent start earned its reward just after the quarter-hour. Moments earlier Almunia had denied Tévez at close range with a superb one-handed save when the Argentinian appeared certain to convert O'Shea's low centre. But the goalkeeper's good work went to waste from Anderson's ensuing corner. Although overhit, Michael Carrick drove the ball back in and it deflected off United old boy Mikaël Silvestre to O'Shea who crashed a first-time effort past Almunia. Evidence that things were not going Arsenal's way came soon after when Cesc Fàbregas sliced a shot out for a throw-in.
Almunia bravery
It was the Spaniard who had the visitors' best attempt of the half after 27 minutes when Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor combined to set up a shooting chance on the edge of the box, but Fàbregas fired straight at Edwin van der Sar. Urged on by the noisy home crowd, United could have had a second before the half-hour after they launched another attack down the right, Tévez running at Arsenal's 19-year-old left-back Kieran Gibbs before crossing to the far post where Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to direct his header past Almunia. Anderson – lively in an attacking midfield role – then slipped a ball forward for Tévez but Almunia saved bravely at his feet.
Giggs offside
Although Adebayor flashed a volley over the crossbar, United continued to look the likelier scorers in the second half. Rooney teed up Anderson on the edge of the box but the Brazilian miscued. Ronaldo revived memories of his long-range winner at FC Porto by leaving Almunia's crossbar trembling with a drive from 25 metres before Carrick sent a daisycutter just wide. Red shirts kept coming forward and it took a fine Silvestre header to stop Dimitar Berbatov turning in fellow replacement Ryan Giggs's cross. Giggs – making his 800th United appearance – then rounded Almunia and had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. At the other end Arsenal's own substitute Nicklas Bendtner beat Van der Sar to a high free-kick but the ball bounced wide. Arsenal will need better next week.
Deserved victory
Sir Alex said on the eve of the game that he would be "delighted" to win 1-0 and that is exactly what he got through defender O'Shea's close-range effort after 17 minutes. It was a deserved victory for the defending champions and leaves Arsenal requiring a big improvement in the second leg next Tuesday when they must try to defeat United by two clear goals for the first time in 20 matches.
High tempo
Both these teams are renowned for their fine attacking football but it was United who took the honours here. The defending champions flew out of the blocks and inside the second minute Wayne Rooney's looping header put Manuel Almunia at full stretch to make the save. Semi-finals can be cautious affairs but United veered from the script, their early high tempo typified by Carlos Tévez, racing around like a man with a point to prove on his first European start since December.
Reward
The hosts' urgent start earned its reward just after the quarter-hour. Moments earlier Almunia had denied Tévez at close range with a superb one-handed save when the Argentinian appeared certain to convert O'Shea's low centre. But the goalkeeper's good work went to waste from Anderson's ensuing corner. Although overhit, Michael Carrick drove the ball back in and it deflected off United old boy Mikaël Silvestre to O'Shea who crashed a first-time effort past Almunia. Evidence that things were not going Arsenal's way came soon after when Cesc Fàbregas sliced a shot out for a throw-in.
Almunia bravery
It was the Spaniard who had the visitors' best attempt of the half after 27 minutes when Theo Walcott and Emmanuel Adebayor combined to set up a shooting chance on the edge of the box, but Fàbregas fired straight at Edwin van der Sar. Urged on by the noisy home crowd, United could have had a second before the half-hour after they launched another attack down the right, Tévez running at Arsenal's 19-year-old left-back Kieran Gibbs before crossing to the far post where Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to direct his header past Almunia. Anderson – lively in an attacking midfield role – then slipped a ball forward for Tévez but Almunia saved bravely at his feet.
Giggs offside
Although Adebayor flashed a volley over the crossbar, United continued to look the likelier scorers in the second half. Rooney teed up Anderson on the edge of the box but the Brazilian miscued. Ronaldo revived memories of his long-range winner at FC Porto by leaving Almunia's crossbar trembling with a drive from 25 metres before Carrick sent a daisycutter just wide. Red shirts kept coming forward and it took a fine Silvestre header to stop Dimitar Berbatov turning in fellow replacement Ryan Giggs's cross. Giggs – making his 800th United appearance – then rounded Almunia and had the ball in the net but was ruled offside. At the other end Arsenal's own substitute Nicklas Bendtner beat Van der Sar to a high free-kick but the ball bounced wide. Arsenal will need better next week.
Sir Alex rues United's
Manchester United FC manager Sir Alex Ferguson believes the holders should have made more of their chances after John O'Shea scored the only goal of a UEFA Champions League semi-final against Arsenal FC that they dominated, although he suggested keeping a clean sheet could be "key to it all". Not for the first time, the Scot was left to reflect on his team's tendency to make life hard for themselves, while his opposite number Arsène Wenger admitted his side had not been at their best. Wenger, though, remains confident the situation can be retrieved in the second leg next Tuesday, explaining: "I'm convinced you'll see a different Arsenal."
Of course [I'm disappointed]. We had good chances and their goalkeeper made one or two fantastic saves. However, we said before the game to win without conceding a goal and we've achieved that. The performance level was good and we've given ourselves a good chance of going through, but of course the tie isn't over. We know we can score at their ground. We haven't lost a goal and I think that's key to it all. [Wenger] has to be confident, he'll be thinking it's a good day for him – they could have been out of the tie and they're not. Our fans are frustrated, we could be into the final and we're not, but that's the nature of the club. We did it the hard way in the last round against Porto too. Arsenal had possession but without doing anything with it. We contained them very well. I don't think that's the fault of Arsenal, that's down to our defenders. When we concentrate well, we can do that.
O'Shea took [the goal] really well, the ball deflected off one of the defenders and came off the surface quite quickly, but he controlled it well. It was a good finish. John is one of the great professionals, he never complains and is happy to play anywhere. He knows that over the years he's not always been a No1 choice but he makes a contribution we've been grateful for. He's so versatile he can play in many positions and that's of great value to us. This season he's played a lot more games because of the injuries we've had and if you asked me now if he'd be in the team for the final I'd have to say yes.
Of course [I'm disappointed]. We had good chances and their goalkeeper made one or two fantastic saves. However, we said before the game to win without conceding a goal and we've achieved that. The performance level was good and we've given ourselves a good chance of going through, but of course the tie isn't over. We know we can score at their ground. We haven't lost a goal and I think that's key to it all. [Wenger] has to be confident, he'll be thinking it's a good day for him – they could have been out of the tie and they're not. Our fans are frustrated, we could be into the final and we're not, but that's the nature of the club. We did it the hard way in the last round against Porto too. Arsenal had possession but without doing anything with it. We contained them very well. I don't think that's the fault of Arsenal, that's down to our defenders. When we concentrate well, we can do that.
O'Shea took [the goal] really well, the ball deflected off one of the defenders and came off the surface quite quickly, but he controlled it well. It was a good finish. John is one of the great professionals, he never complains and is happy to play anywhere. He knows that over the years he's not always been a No1 choice but he makes a contribution we've been grateful for. He's so versatile he can play in many positions and that's of great value to us. This season he's played a lot more games because of the injuries we've had and if you asked me now if he'd be in the team for the final I'd have to say yes.
one-goal deficit in the Champions League semi-final
The Gunners boss credited his goalkeeper Manuel Almunia for limiting the damage caused by the dominant Reds, after the Spaniard made several good saves to prevent Cristiano Ronaldo, Carlos Tevez et al from adding to John O'Shea's opener.
"The good thing is that we didn’t concede more than one goal," said Wenger.
"They (United) could have scored a second goal – Alumnia kept us in the tie. We want to take advantage of that in the second game. I believe we have a good chance to reverse it (the score) at home."
Arsenal were unusually shot-shy at the other end of the Old Trafford pitch, rarely testing Edwin van der Sar in the United goal. For this, Wenger praised the performance and tactics of his opposition.
"They (United) played well, they started very strong. They played at a fast pace, they closed us down well and we never got into our stride.
"I felt we didn’t create enough but it’s not important now to talk about what we didn’t do tonight. It’s more important to think about what we want to do next Tuesday.
"This tie is very finely balanced. We still believe we will do it at home and I believe we will see a different Arsenal next week."
"The good thing is that we didn’t concede more than one goal," said Wenger.
"They (United) could have scored a second goal – Alumnia kept us in the tie. We want to take advantage of that in the second game. I believe we have a good chance to reverse it (the score) at home."
Arsenal were unusually shot-shy at the other end of the Old Trafford pitch, rarely testing Edwin van der Sar in the United goal. For this, Wenger praised the performance and tactics of his opposition.
"They (United) played well, they started very strong. They played at a fast pace, they closed us down well and we never got into our stride.
"I felt we didn’t create enough but it’s not important now to talk about what we didn’t do tonight. It’s more important to think about what we want to do next Tuesday.
"This tie is very finely balanced. We still believe we will do it at home and I believe we will see a different Arsenal next week."
Asia Tour was confirmed on Wednesday as FC Seoul
The team who finished second in the K-League last season will take on the Reds in a friendly at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul on 24 July, kick-off 12pm BST.
FC Seoul were also the opposition on United's last visit to Korea two years ago, when the visitors ran out 4-0 winners.
Although he went on tour in 2007, Ji-sung Park did not play in that game due to injury, and the winger is delighted that this year he'll get the chance to play for the Reds for the first time in his homeland, where he is afforded almost god-like status.
"It’s my second visit since I joined United," Park told ManUtd.kr. "For Korean Fans, TV is the only way to see my performances. But on the tour this summer, they can see me and I can see them. I’m looking forward to it."
Seoul is United's third stop on this summer's pre-season trip to the Far East. The games in Malaysia and China have already been confirmed and details of the Indonesia leg will be announced on Friday.
Red View subscribers will receive ticket news for the tour 48 hours in advance of the general public, and of course there will also be regular updates here on ManUtd.com.
Paul Kam, chairman of tour organisers ProEvents, said: “United have fond memories of the fantastic reception during the last visit in 2007.
"Since then, the club has developed a strong relationship with Korea and we are delighted by the club’s decision to bring the team to Seoul again."
FC Seoul were also the opposition on United's last visit to Korea two years ago, when the visitors ran out 4-0 winners.
Although he went on tour in 2007, Ji-sung Park did not play in that game due to injury, and the winger is delighted that this year he'll get the chance to play for the Reds for the first time in his homeland, where he is afforded almost god-like status.
"It’s my second visit since I joined United," Park told ManUtd.kr. "For Korean Fans, TV is the only way to see my performances. But on the tour this summer, they can see me and I can see them. I’m looking forward to it."
Seoul is United's third stop on this summer's pre-season trip to the Far East. The games in Malaysia and China have already been confirmed and details of the Indonesia leg will be announced on Friday.
Red View subscribers will receive ticket news for the tour 48 hours in advance of the general public, and of course there will also be regular updates here on ManUtd.com.
Paul Kam, chairman of tour organisers ProEvents, said: “United have fond memories of the fantastic reception during the last visit in 2007.
"Since then, the club has developed a strong relationship with Korea and we are delighted by the club’s decision to bring the team to Seoul again."
reaches 800
Just three days after picking up the PFA Player of the Year trophy in London, the United veteran played a remarkable 800th game for the club when he came on as a substitute for Anderson in the second half at Old Trafford.
His introduction brought maturity to the team's play as the Reds sealed an important 1-0 first-leg win over the Gunners and it almost brought a second goal - only for a linesman's flag to ruin Ryan's fun after he'd rounded Manuel Almunia and slotted the ball home.
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke of his admiration for Giggs in his post-match interview on MUTV.
"It's an unbelievable achievement," said Ronaldo. "And he deserved his award because he's had a fantastic season, helping the team to score goals.
"Eight hundred games is unbelievable and I hope to be like him one day."
His introduction brought maturity to the team's play as the Reds sealed an important 1-0 first-leg win over the Gunners and it almost brought a second goal - only for a linesman's flag to ruin Ryan's fun after he'd rounded Manuel Almunia and slotted the ball home.
Cristiano Ronaldo spoke of his admiration for Giggs in his post-match interview on MUTV.
"It's an unbelievable achievement," said Ronaldo. "And he deserved his award because he's had a fantastic season, helping the team to score goals.
"Eight hundred games is unbelievable and I hope to be like him one day."
Ryan Giggs
Giggs made his Reds debut in the old First Division (that's how long he's been around) back in 1991 against Everton.
The Welshman's latest conquest - the prestigious PFA Players' Player of the Year - shouldn't be the only title bestowed upon him, according to United supporters.
The website, sirryangiggs.com, is attempting to canvass a list of names to be sent to the Queen.
It's not the only online army calling for Giggs to be knighted, with several other sites also running petitions.
Giggs did collect an OBE from the Queen for services to football back in December 2007, but fans think Ryan deserves an even higher honour, with which he would join the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.
The Welshman's latest conquest - the prestigious PFA Players' Player of the Year - shouldn't be the only title bestowed upon him, according to United supporters.
The website, sirryangiggs.com, is attempting to canvass a list of names to be sent to the Queen.
It's not the only online army calling for Giggs to be knighted, with several other sites also running petitions.
Giggs did collect an OBE from the Queen for services to football back in December 2007, but fans think Ryan deserves an even higher honour, with which he would join the likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton.
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