Midweek Sport

STILL RY ‘N

- By FRANK MCCAULEY

RIO FERDINAND has admitted he is lost in admiration for Manchester United team-mate Ryan Giggs.

After his outstandin­g contributi­on to Saturday’s 2-1 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford, Giggs knows his next United appearance will be his 900th.

It is an amazing effort from the 38-year-old, who has just been rewarded with a one-year contract extension that will take his stellar career into a staggering 22nd season.

And the most surprising thing is that Giggs remains one of the fittest players at United.

There was a point in the veteran Welshman’s career when it seemed he would be badly affected by hamstring problems – but Giggs found the solution with regular yoga sessions.

The Liverpool game was his 23rd appearance of the season.

And while it is highly likely that Giggs will not play a significan­t role in the two-legged Europa League clash with Ajax, by the time United resume their Premier League title quest at Norwich on February 26 he is certain to be a major influence once more.

Centre-half Ferdinand said: “Ryan has been blessed with a tremendous physique.

“He is not carrying any weight, he’s not had any serious injuries and he manages himself really well.

“To have that many appearance­s at one club is phenomenal. Words just

 ??  ?? EURO GIANTS: Ferdinand and Giggs celebrate winning the Champions League in 2008
EURO GIANTS: Ferdinand and Giggs celebrate winning the Champions League in 2008

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