Football: Giggs ready to sign new contract

Midfielder backed by Manchester United manager .

MANCHESTER: The Manchester United veteran and the winger-tuned-central-midfielder Ryan Giggs, who maintained his record of scoring in every Premier League season by netting against Fulham last week, looks all set to extend his one-year rolling contract once again.

Giggs is expected to play on at Manchester United for another year, according to the Press Association. He secured a rolling deal when he was 30 and now, at 38, he is ready to sign the contract again, with Sir Alex Ferguson delighted to retain the Welshman’s services. Giggs has also been linked with the Wales job left vacant by the death of Gary Speed.

“There’s no evidence at this moment in time that his energy, stamina or speed are decreasing,” said Ferguson. “In fact, it’s exactly the same as it was the last two or three years. It’s amazing.”

Giggs continues to be a regular starter for United but Ferguson revealed that he was hopeful that Michael Carrick will fill the void in his side’s midfield left by the retirement of Paul Scholes. Carrick scored a goal against QPR on his return to form. Following that performance, Ferguson believed that the time ripe for the former Tottenham man to become pivotal in United’s first team.

Ferguson also confirmed that while he was keen for Carrick to run his midfield, the club will get their chequebook out should a world-class player become available in January.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 27^th, 2011.