GIGGS: THIS TITLE WILL BE BEST
By David Mcdonnell
RYAN GIGGS believes winning the Premiership this season would be the greatest achievement of his illustrious career - because of Chelsea's new-found ability to buy any player they want. United will go nine points clear of Chelsea if they win tomorrow's Manchester derby and Giggs - who has won eight titles at the club - feels this one would be the sweetest of them all.
"What motivates me now is that we haven't won the Premiership for three years," said Giggs. "That drives me on like nothing else. It'll be a great achievement because of what Chelsea have, the ability to buy who they want. Chelsea's consistency in the last two years has meant no one has touched them, so it would be up there with the best."
And Giggs believes the return of fellow veteran midfielder Paul Scholes, who missed the last five months of last season with an eye complaint, has given United a huge advantage in their title battle with Chelsea. Giggs told Inside United magazine: "Having Scholesy back has been a massive boost. He gives you so much in midfield. He gives you goals, creativity and he controls the game with his passing. There's no other midfielder like him. His brain is quicker than everyone else's, no one can catch him. He makes time with his touch and skill and no matter how quick the game gets, he'll always be ahead of it."
United's attempt to topple Chelsea was given a lift yesterday when Alan Smith scored for the first time since breaking his leg in an FA Cup tie against Liverpool in February. The midfielder chipped in from 30 yards to seal United's 2-0 win over Manchester City in a reserve team derby. Kieran Richardson scored United's first goal. There was more good news for manager Sir Alex Ferguson - who will be looking for a similar result when City visit Old Trafford tomorrow - after Korean midfielder Park Ji-sung completed the opening 45 minutes of his return from a three-month absence following ankle surgery.
2-1 almost over!
