Charlton hails record equaling Giggs

Sir Bobby Charlton insisted he was delighted to see Ryan Giggs equal his Manchester United appearance record.

Giggs, 34, drew level with Charlton on 758 appearances when he came on as a second half substitute in United's title-clinching 2-0 win at Wigan on Sunday.

The Wales winger capped his memorable day by scoring the late goal that ensured United would retain the English league crown.

Charlton, who starred for United from 1954-1973, was at the JJB Stadium to see Giggs's achievement and admitted he couldn't have been happier to see his record equalled by such a dedicated player.

"I don't mind Ryan taking the record. If I could choose someone for it to go to, it would be Ryan," Charlton said.

"The day he came to Manchester United, I knew he was special. He is a great athlete, a great person and a great footballer. Nobody deserves to break records like he does.

"You need to be here for a length of time to understand this club and the strength of feeling that underpins it.

"His record with Manchester United is unbelievable and I'm really proud of him. I have forgotten about my record already."

Charlton, 70, was a member of the United team that won the club's first European Cup in 1969 and he believes Sir Alex Ferguson can deliver United's third triumph in the competition.

If United do beat Chelsea in the final in Moscow on May 21, Charlton will be able to give himself a pat on the back.

Back in 1990, Ferguson was struggling to win over United fans after several seasons of underachievement and it was suggested the Scot could be sacked, but United director Charlton was adamant he would come good and he has proved right time and again over the last 18 years.

"Sir Alex is just phenomenal. It would be fantastic to win the Champions League as well," Charlton said.

"It will be hard but we will give it our best shot. We will be ready that's for sure."

Sapa-AFP