Robson backs Giggs to play past 40

Paul Scholes of Manchester United celebrates scoring the opening goal with team mate Ryan Giggs

Bryan Robson was all praise for veterans; Ryan Giggs and Paul Scholes in an interview with Manutd.com

The 55-year-old former Manchester United midfielder praised the agility of the duo, adding that Giggs might play well past 40. The 39-year-old Welsh international has been included in Team Great Britain Olympic squad and Robson believes his natural athleticism will permit him to continue his career for years to come.

“Both Giggs and Scholes are fantastic professionals and it was great to see Scholesy come back and play so well in the second part of the season. The boss knows how to use them as well as he rests them at the right time and gets them in and they look fresh. Those two will do a great job for the club again next year.”

“You definitely have to do things differently in terms of training. The boss maybe gives you a few more days off compared to what you normally get. But it’s up to you as individuals as well. You have to look after yourself that little bit better and prepare yourself that bit better.”

“Both of them are dedicated pros who want to win more things so they will go about it the right way. I can see especially Ryan, perhaps Paul depending on whether his joints allow him to do it, but I can see Giggsy playing well past 40 just because of the natural fitness of the lad.”

Much has been said about United’s midfield situation and the ‘Captain Marvel’ believes the club has enough depth in the department to challenge the best teams in the world. Praising Michael Carrick in particular, Robson added:

“I still think we’ve got enough quality in the midfield area. Although people are talking about it, Michael Carrick had a terrific season last year. Unfortunately, because of the illness to Darren Fletcher, we probably could do with somebody to replace Darren at this moment in time. Everyone has got to keep their fingers crossed and maybe he can get over the illness and come back because that would be a major boost for the club. So let’s hope that happens.”

“For me, this is a big season for Tom Cleverley. He did have a lot of injuries last season but this year has to be the year where he rallies and proves himself to be a Manchester United player. So it is going to be a big year for Tom.”