Giggs and co hungry for silverware

Giggs and co hungry for silverware
(PA) Monday 9 August 2010
Print
Email my friend
Share

Ryan Giggs has revealed Manchester United's failure to land a major trophy last term has fuelled an even greater hunger for success at Old Trafford this season.

Although United did collect the Carling Cup by beating Aston Villa in February, they failed to retain their English Premier League title and slipped out of the UEFA Champions League courtesy of a quarter-final defeat to Bayern Munich.

At 36, Giggs has no need to worry about one barren season, having already assured himself of a place in the pantheon of British football greats. But the veteran Welshman confirmed the desire for trophies is even greater now, having spent the summer going through what went wrong last spring.

"There is always that hunger, even if you are defending things," said Giggs. "But there is probably that added bit of determination because you don't want to go through another summer like this one again where we did not win the league.When you do not win the league, it is always hard. Now the challenge is there for us again. We do have to improve but if the squad stays fit and we get a bit of luck, we always fancy ourselves."

United will at least start the new campaign in confident mood thanks to their Community Shield triumph over Chelsea at Wembley. The Red Devils do still seem over-reliant on their older players, with both Paul Scholes and Edwin van der Sar outstanding in the win over Chelsea.
Javier is a goal-poacher. His overall movement and ability to find space is really good. Hopefully he can get a lot of goals this year.
Sir Alex Furguson on new signing Javier Hernandez

But it appears Antonio Valencia and Nani can improve on encouraging campaigns last term, while new boy Javier Hernandez has made a very positive impression since he linked up with Ferguson's squad on their pre-season tour of North America.

There was nothing smooth about the Mexican's goal - United's second - as his mis-hit shot flew in off his face - but Giggs views Hernandez as a major plus in United's quest for honours. "Javier has the extra quality that makes a difference," he said. "Towards the end of last season we needed that player who could come off the bench and change a game.

"Now we have strengthened and hopefully that will give us an edge," the manager went on. "Javier is a goal-poacher. His overall movement and ability to find space is really good. Hopefully he can get a lot of goals this year. He has started pre-season really well and I am sure he will be a great player for us."

United fans would have left Wembley with far more optimism than they arrived given the lack of transfer activity at Old Trafford. Although Ferguson distanced himself from talk of a bid for German FIFA World Cup™ star Mesut Ozil, his presence at Fulham on Saturday to watch the outstanding midfielder in action seemed significant.

Should Ozil end up at United before the 31 August transfer deadline, the Red Devils will really fancy their chances of making an impact this term, with Giggs admitting that for all Manchester City's money, Chelsea will once again be the team to beat.

"The Community Shield does not have a direct bearing on what is going to happen over the coming months but it does send out a marker," said Giggs. "Chelsea are a good team and at times we made them look ordinary. The Premier League is going to be tougher than ever this season.

"You could see that last year with all the teams that were competing for fourth place - and now City are right there with all that money," he went on. "It is going to be interesting to see how it all works out but I am still of the opinion that if we finish above Chelsea we will have a great chance."