GIGGS BACKING CITY TITLE BID
City winning title would be good for Manchester
RYAN GIGGS reckons Mark Hughes' big summer spending has put the heat back into the red-hot Manchester derby.
Most of Giggs' previous 29 derby clashes have seen United romp to victory, with the occasional defeat dismissed as nothing more than an annoyance on the Red Devils' way to some silverware.
But Giggs now accepts City can be genuine challengers to his side's crown as kings of Manchester.
And he says that has added a touch of spice to the game.
Even more worryingly, he fears victory for the Light Blues today could give Hughes' men the right to consider them Premier League-winning material.
He said: "I think this is the most anticipated derby for a long time because of City's spending.
"No one knows what they can and will achieve this year. That means it's the biggest derby for a long, long time.
"They have so many quality players now - and they perhaps haven't had that for a long time.
"It's strange preparing for a derby against a City side playing to prove they are a genuine title rival to us.
"But you've got to take notice because of the money they have spent and the top-quality people that they have brought in.
"They're going to be up there - no one knows how far up there but they're certainly going to be up there.
"And they have made a good start to the season as well. They have got plenty of match-winners in the team and when you have them you always have a chance.''
Giggs paid City grudging respect for the way they have instantly gelled into a top-class team despite being thrown together only in the summer.
And he believes having two teams in Manchester slugging it out for the title is great for the city.
He added: "It's hard for United fans to say it but if City emerge as a trophy-winning team I suppose it would be good for Manchester.
"The whole footballing world has been focused on Manchester for the last year or so because of the trophies we've been winning and what City have spent.
"It has to be good for the city to have two teams at the top.
"Hopefully, we'll be at the very top, ahead of them. It's good they're no longer the spoilers. They are up there with a lot of quality.''
Giggs is refusing to get sucked into the derby-day hype that has seen Manchester come alive in the last week.
He prefers to concentrate on grabbing the three points on offer that will keep the Red Devils on Chelsea's tail.
The Welsh winger said: "We are not really more intent on reinforcing United's status as top dogs, though. I don't think we ever look at games like that.
"We just look at it as it is - it's a derby and we want to win.
"You never want to lose a derby but you also have to look at the bigger picture. There are three points at stake and, hopefully, we can take those points and get further up the table to where we want to be.''
Carlos Tevez makes a swift return to Old Trafford today, with Giggs revealing he will be welcomed as a brother by the United players - if not the faithful.
He added: "I think Carlos will get a good reception.
"He was really popular in the dressing room during his time here.
"In the two years he was here we won two Premier League titles and the Champions League and he was integral to that.
"He'll get a warm welcome from the players. We will have to wait and see how the fans have taken to him going over to City.
"You can never tell. I think it might be half and half.
"There will be some who will focus on what he did for the club and there will the old school who will say, 'He has gone to City. That's it. Boo him.' ''
City manager Hughes, another United old-boy, is likely to get a healthy reception from the Red Devils' fans - despite his comments in the past week.
Giggs said: "It is not strange to see Mark Hughes at the helm at City.
"I think Sparky's been away from United for a while now. He's played at other clubs, he's managed Wales and Blackburn before he got the chance to manage City, so no it doesn't feel weird.
"He's a legend at United for what he did here. He was my hero when I was growing up.
"He was such a great player and scored so many important goals for this club and managing is different from going over to play for them.''
Please note: All comments are moderated.
Tick this box to accept our
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Premier League
Championship
League 1
League 2
FA Cup
Carling Cup
EUROPE Champions Lge
Europa League
INTERNATIONAL England
World Cup
MATCH CENTRE Live scores
Fixtures
Results
Tables
CLUB PAGES Team-by-team
COMMENT
Andy Dunn
Rob Shepherd
Paul Ince
IN-OFF
Transfer news
DREAM TEAM
Fantasy football
EMAIL ALERTS
Free updates
This article has 13 comments
Well done united, You desrved your win today and I am sure the FA will agree with me. Big up the status quo. However despite the fact TIME favoured you on this occasion, we will give you as much added time as you need.. We are coming. how many tick tocks are there in 35 years?
By History Waiting.. Posted September 20 2009 at 6:23 PM.
Accept your apology. Now think citeh should apologise to the premiership for convincing people you are Champions in waiting after winning 4 league games! Apart from giving the bitters 2 goals,only the keeper kept the score respectable. Men against boys indeed. Would back Villa to be the main danger to the big 4 anyday.
By STEVE.. Posted September 20 2009 at 6:03 PM.
Wesley no hope.Ferguson hasnt won league 18 times,and have spent more than everyone else to buy sucess Veron! Ferdinand! Rooney! Bergatov! 30 million each!!! Klieberson,Djemba,Hargreaves,Cole etc etc And how much in debt??
By Benalmadena Blue.. Posted September 20 2009 at 2:26 PM.
Sorry Steve no disrespect intended it's just from what you are writing I assumed you were about 12
By History rewritten.. Posted September 20 2009 at 12:32 PM.
History Rewritten
Been watching my belover Reds for 42yrs so well aware of the history of Utd pre '92,and well aware of the scousers great history. That is why Utd vs Liverpool is THE BIG GAME, regardless of what happens in citeh's cup final to-day!
Certainly cried in 74,and have had many lean yrs,but,laughed long and loud when citeh played in the old 3rd division and laugh all over again every year you go trophyless.
Must sign off now,got a 25min walk to Old Trafford to see the Champs vs chumps!
By Steve.. Posted September 20 2009 at 12:05 PM.
Laughing stock for 35 years hey, so you were laughing at us berties when you were in the second division. I bet you were crying with laughter for over half those years whilst outspending every other club but still couldn't buy Liverpool title. Look Steve 35 years takes us to before football was invented in 1992 and you the Greatest team in the world evoh ((c) mufc plc)
By History Rewritten.. Posted September 20 2009 at 11:35 AM.
I love the way footballers have a talent for stating the bleeding obvious;
(Giggs on MC) "They have got plenty of match-winners in the team and when you have them you always have a chance.''
So in case you were in any doubt, if you have match winners in your team, you have a chance to win a match. Nice thanks for clearing that up Giggsy, pure class.
By gunnerrob1.. Posted September 20 2009 at 10:36 AM.
On Sunday will be the most anticipated Manchester Derby because of Manchester City's spending. They have bought in some decent players like ex united striker Carlos Tevez who I really wanted to stay at United for the long term, but City took full advantage of Manchester United's resistance to offer him a deal. Even when we did I knew he would be off. Anyway having said that I wish Carlos every success at Manchester City, but not today if he does feature in the derby. I think their best player is not playing and because of that I don't think Manchester City will win today or win the league in the near future. City can spend all they want but Manchester United have a great manager in Sir Alex Ferguson and he knows what City are doing and I do not think it will bother him too much and he also knows it takes more than money to build a premier league winning team. Just ask him, he has won it 18 times with United and has never needed to spend £200 million pounds to do it. The main point is that Manchester City are losing today and they will never win the league while Sir Alex is manager of the best football club ever created.
By Wesley Ekwueme.. Posted September 20 2009 at 10:36 AM.
He's showing a lot more class than his manager at the moment.
By Shaun.. Posted September 20 2009 at 10:10 AM.
Alan, he hasnt confirmed stereotypes at all, please tell me is any of what Steve said untrue?? The only debatable part is whether City will have to double the spending to win anything... I think Hughes and the new owners have spent wisely and I admire the way the new owners have raised the profile of the club and the money they are spending in the community. I live in Manchester and they are investing well. However which way you look at it City have an awful lot to prove, I am not sure yet if they will be up in the top 4 this year, i hope they are but if not a top half finish will be a success. A good cup run a bonus... COYR
By Dave.. Posted September 20 2009 at 9:43 AM.
Usual Red arrogance there Steve. Well done for confirming stereotypes. The fact that you and muppets like you constantly go out of your way to comment about City shows how worried you really are. Enjoy the sunset of your period of success.
By Alan.. Posted September 20 2009 at 9:23 AM.
As always, a bit of class from Sir Ryan...
By Nick.. Posted September 20 2009 at 8:45 AM.
Good old Giggs'y. Can only presume he's angling for a job in the diplomatic service when the football brain stop's working! Maybe he did'nt want to upset his bitter blue mates! Either way hope he kept a straight face!!Remember he's talking about a club who have been the butt of every joke for 35yrs,who have had more fresh starts than the local drunk and count it a successfull season if they avoid a relegation fight.
The usual suspects will be fighting for the title come April and have a sneaking feeling the £200m they've spent the last 12mths will have to be doubled!
By Steve.. Posted September 20 2009 at 1:14 AM.