WE'RE BETTER THAN ARSENAL
Out of Europe and the title race, but Giggs says United are still tops
By David Mcdonnell And Darren Lewis
Giggs...bitter
RYAN GIGGS last night made the bizarre claim that Manchester United are the best team in the country - despite their season of turmoil.
Although United trail Arsenal by 12 points in the Premiership and are out of the Champions League, Giggs insisted they are still England's top side.
The Welsh winger said Sir Alex Ferguson's players were simply victims of a series of individual errors, rather than being eclipsed by Arsenal and the rest of Europe.
"I still maintain we have the best players in the country at United," said Giggs. "If we play to our best, I believe we're the top team.
"I know that might sound funny as we're 12 points behind Arsenal but I think it's true.
"We've made too many errors this season and that's been the difference.
"If we stop making those mistakes I see no reason why we can't finish this season with a great run.
"At United we have to perform under the spotlight and when we do well we lap up the praise that comes our way. But when things go wrong we have to take a lot of stick. We're under a lot of pressure but that comes with the territory."
Giggs also admitted he was surprised at rumours he was one of the big names set to be sacrificed in the summer as Fergie attempts to rebuild his crumbling Old Trafford empire. "I've been told questions ave been raised about my future and that I might not be at Old Trafford next season," said Giggs.
"I can't do anything about that but I do find the speculation surprising. I know we aren't doing great, but I've been happy with my form. I think I've been doing okay and that I can win more titles with United.
"It's been a bad seven days, going out of Europe and losing to Manchester City in the derby. We've not been getting the rub of the green and individual mistakes have been punished." Ferguson has targeted Monaco winger Jerome Rothen as a possible replacement for Giggs.
The highly- rated 25-year-old, dubbed 'The French Beckham', has already been hailed has having the best left-foot in France.
Monaco claim United have inquired about Rothen's availability after losing out to Chelsea in the race for Dutch left-winger Arjen Robben.
A dead-ball specialist, Rothen - who has played six times for France - has already helped his club to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Electric
Last season his electric pace became a major feature of Monaco's surprise title challenge.
Even though they failed to land the French Championship, Rothen featured in all but one of their League matches and provided more assists than any other player in the French top division.
The youngster has already told friends that he is desperate for a move to the Premiership, and with Monaco currently facing a crisis he could go for as little as £7million.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sporttop/tm_...-name_page.html
Out of Europe and the title race, but Giggs says United are still tops
By David Mcdonnell And Darren Lewis
Giggs...bitter
RYAN GIGGS last night made the bizarre claim that Manchester United are the best team in the country - despite their season of turmoil.
Although United trail Arsenal by 12 points in the Premiership and are out of the Champions League, Giggs insisted they are still England's top side.
The Welsh winger said Sir Alex Ferguson's players were simply victims of a series of individual errors, rather than being eclipsed by Arsenal and the rest of Europe.
"I still maintain we have the best players in the country at United," said Giggs. "If we play to our best, I believe we're the top team.
"I know that might sound funny as we're 12 points behind Arsenal but I think it's true.
"We've made too many errors this season and that's been the difference.
"If we stop making those mistakes I see no reason why we can't finish this season with a great run.
"At United we have to perform under the spotlight and when we do well we lap up the praise that comes our way. But when things go wrong we have to take a lot of stick. We're under a lot of pressure but that comes with the territory."
Giggs also admitted he was surprised at rumours he was one of the big names set to be sacrificed in the summer as Fergie attempts to rebuild his crumbling Old Trafford empire. "I've been told questions ave been raised about my future and that I might not be at Old Trafford next season," said Giggs.
"I can't do anything about that but I do find the speculation surprising. I know we aren't doing great, but I've been happy with my form. I think I've been doing okay and that I can win more titles with United.
"It's been a bad seven days, going out of Europe and losing to Manchester City in the derby. We've not been getting the rub of the green and individual mistakes have been punished." Ferguson has targeted Monaco winger Jerome Rothen as a possible replacement for Giggs.
The highly- rated 25-year-old, dubbed 'The French Beckham', has already been hailed has having the best left-foot in France.
Monaco claim United have inquired about Rothen's availability after losing out to Chelsea in the race for Dutch left-winger Arjen Robben.
A dead-ball specialist, Rothen - who has played six times for France - has already helped his club to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Electric
Last season his electric pace became a major feature of Monaco's surprise title challenge.
Even though they failed to land the French Championship, Rothen featured in all but one of their League matches and provided more assists than any other player in the French top division.
The youngster has already told friends that he is desperate for a move to the Premiership, and with Monaco currently facing a crisis he could go for as little as £7million.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/sporttop/tm_...-name_page.html
