#5 – Free kick vs Bolton- Premier League – August 2003
While Giggs was known for his quick feet and being able to turn defences inside, he had an absolute beaut of a left peg when standing over free kicks as shown against Bolton in 2003
This game is more remembered for a half an hour cameo from a small little Portuguese kid with crap hair. Yes, Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show for United despite Giggs netting twice including a pearler of a free. Standing just over 25 yards out, the Welshman curved the ball over the wall and into the top corner past a despairing Jussi Jaaskelainen.
#4 – Solo effort vs Juventus – Champions League last 16 – February 2003
Later that same season Giggs got another brace, only in the Stadio delle Alpi in the last 16 of the Champions League. Having scored a similar goal six years earlier in Old Trafford against them, you’d have thought Juventus might’ve learned a lesson.
Nope. Antonio Conte’s slack pass in midfield was intercepted by Giggs who strode past the challenges of Lilian Thuram, Paolo Montero and Ciro Ferrara before calmly slotting the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.
#3 Laces against Coventry – Premier League – December 1992
Giggs was still a fresh faced 19 year old when netting the first of United’s five against Coventry back during the inaugural Premier League season.
Eric Cantona’s header was flicked away by Irish international Phil Babb but only to the feet of Giggs. The ‘Boy Wonder’ controlled it brilliantly then with his back to goal struck a sweet shot that curled away from Jonathan Gould and in off the post.
#2 – Fast feet vs QPR – Premier League – February 1994
Do not needlessly give the ball away when Ryan Giggs is on the pitch. Because he will take that ball, skin your entire defence and punish you by sticking it into the net.
QPR did not heed this advice in February of 1994 when a combination of Ian Holloway and Ray Wilkins (a potentially hilarious double act) couldn’t get control of the ball, leading to Giggs intercepting, sending Clive Wilson and Darren Peacock to the floor and finishing into the corner. Special mention to Holloway who gives up on Giggs and just kicks Mark Hughes instead.
#1 – Was it ever going to be anything else? Arsenal – FA Cup Semi Final Replay – April 1999
That poor pass from Vieira. The touch past Dixon. The balance. The finish. The chest rug. Phwoar!
No doubt that at whatever club Ryan ends up managing, he’ll be teaching all the players how to move quickly, do a flip flop and just how to get more hair on your chest than a grizzly bear.