Today's FA Cup clash against Arsenal could serve as a stepping stone to the English Premier League title for both teams, says Man Utd ace
Today's FA Cup clash against Arsenal could serve as a stepping stone to the English Premier League title for both teams, says Man Utd ace
Veteran Ryan Giggs is determined not to go overboard with the inquests into back-to-back defeats to former EPL champions Manchester United.
Man Utd ace Ryan Giggs
The Red Devils head into today's FA Cup tie with Arsenal at Old Trafford knowing another reverse would represent their worst run since 2001. Judging by the in-depth inquests into their recent dip in form, it is hard to remember it is less than six weeks ago United were being hailed as champions elect as they ran up a 29-game unbeaten run.
Yet Giggs did not get carried away then. And he feels the key to emerging from this mini-slump is to retain the same even-handed approach. "You try to keep a level head no matter what is happening. If you are on a 10-game winning streak or have lost a couple of games, you need to keep the same calmness and not get too carried away. Criticism comes with the territory. We have had two defeats. People are thinking what's wrong. The only way to stop them saying that is to do it on the pitch. That's what we intend to do, starting tomorrow."
It has not been the best fortnight for Giggs to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut, nor a record-breaking 607th league appearance. Another accolade will come his way today when he is afforded the honour of a banner hanging from the Stretford End, to join the one belonging to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the inflammatory one that commemorates the number of years since Manchester City last won a trophy.
Point to prove
Of far more importance though is claiming a semi-final berth, with Giggs not reading too much into Arsenal's midweek defeat to Barcelona beyond the result itself. "We both have a point to prove," he said.
"Arsenal were swept aside by Barcelona but that can happen because they are such a good team. At times this year Arsenal have been brilliant. They have players who can hurt you. We are well aware of that. We are neck and neck in the Premier League. Whoever wins it, it can be the platform to go on and be successful this season."
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Man United vs Arsenal
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