He's 37 years old and has been playing for Manchester United for a minimum of 52 years now, but it doesn't mean he can't get the job done. United squared off against Chelsea in the most anticipated of this year's UEFA Champions league quarterfinal ties and the best player over the two legs was the old man, Ryan Giggs. It wasn't a close call either. Toss his age out of the window. In the biggest tie of the quarterfinal stage in the world's biggest club tournament, Giggs was the best player over the two legs by a large margin.
Manchester United Vs. Chelsea FC, UEFA Champions League: Old Man Giggs Player Of The Tie
In neither of the two legs did Manchester United control possession, but they made the important plays that led to their fair share of dangerous chances on goal. Three of those chances led to goals and shocker, Giggs was involved in all three. Not bad for an old man.
In the first leg, the Red Devils stole a win at Stamford Bridge and it came because Giggs was smarter than everyone else. After a corner was cleared, but not quite far enough away, Giggs snuck out on the left. The Welshman played both legs in the center so being on the left wasn't where he was supposed to be, but that's where he ended up because he recognized Jose Bosingwa had completely vacated the left side. Once Giggs got out on the left, he gathered the ball, took it towards the endline and crossed perfectly for Wayen Rooney who finished for the goal.
In the second leg, Giggs was back in on both of United goals. The first time he played an inch perfect ball across the face of goal that left Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez with the simplest of finishes. The next goal came when Giggs spotted Park Ji-Sung and of course, he was spot on again. The ball into Park was right on his chest and the goal from it crushed Chelsea's souls.
In addition to his being at the center of the moves to all of United’s goals, Giggs was an influence the entire tie. He tackled well and helped maintain the team’s shape. While the Red Devils were content to give Chelsea the bulk of the possession, they looked to strike quickly through the center of their midfield when they did get the ball and more often than not, it was through Giggs. He controlled the United attack and did so masterfully, as United’s advancement to the Champions League semifinals can attest to.
Giggs made his league debut for United on March 2, 1991. 7,346 days later, Giggs put the capper on two incredible Champions League legs against Chelsea, a tie he was undoubtedly the best player in. Not bad for an old man. If he can continue to play at this level at 37, is there any doubt that he will live until at least 150 years old? He will probably also win Man of the Match in the 2109 Galactical Club Championship against Northern Pluto FC.
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