11 of the greatest wingers of all time

#6 Ryan Giggs

Giggs’ speed helped him become the great footballer that he was

Some say that Ryan Giggs is Manchester United. A wonderfully talented player, the Welshman made the United left wing his own from his debut in 1991 until his retirement in 2014.

In an era where players switch allegiances fairly quickly, Giggs is a perfect example of what football should be about. He evolved during his career, going from being a typical winger to fill in as a playmaker thanks to his enormous talent.

Both Giggs and Beckham became the mainstay of Ferguson’s Manchester United, especially in the build-up to attacks. The Welshman had the presence of mind to outwit his opponents with dazzling tricks before sending a pinpoint cross to the centre forward. Dwight Yorke, Andy Cole and Ruud van Nistelrooy were among the many strikers who had a major share of their goals served up by Giggs.

He made over 963 appearances for Manchester United and in the process won 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two Champions League trophies, one FIFA Club World Cup and was also named PFA Young Player of the Year twice.