Ryan Giggs urges calm after Manchester United defeats
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ryan Giggs is determined not to go overboard with the inquests into back-to-back defeats for Manchester United.
The Red Devils head into tomorrow's FA Cup tie with Arsenal at Old Trafford knowing another reverse would represent their worst run since 2001.
Judging by the in-depth inquests into their recent dip in form, it is hard to remember it is less than six weeks ago United were being hailed as champions elect as they ran up a 29-game unbeaten run.
Yet Giggs did not get carried away then. And he feels the key to emerging from this mini-slump is to retain the same even-handed approach.
"You try to keep a level head no matter what is happening," he said.
"If you are on a 10-game winning streak or have lost a couple of games, you need to keep the same calmness and not get too carried away.
"Criticism comes with the territory.
"We have had two defeats. Outside the club, people are thinking what is wrong. The only way to stop them saying that is to do it on the pitch. That is what we intend to do, starting tomorrow."
It has not been the best fortnight for Giggs to celebrate the 20th anniversary of his debut, nor a record-breaking 607th league appearance.
Another accolade will come his way tomorrow when he is afforded the honour of a banner hanging from the Stretford End, to join the one belonging to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and the inflammatory one that commemorates the number of years since Manchester City last won a trophy.
"It is brilliant," said Giggs.
"It is where I used to go as a kid so to have a banner there up with the legends who are already there will be great."
Of far more importance though is claiming a semi-final berth, with Giggs not reading too much into Arsenal's midweek defeat to Barcelona beyond the result itself.
"We both have a point to prove," he said.
"Arsenal were swept aside by Barcelona but that can happen because they are such a good team.
"At times this year Arsenal have been brilliant. They have players who can hurt you. We are well aware of that.
"We are neck and neck in the Premier League. Whoever wins it, it can be the platform to go on and be successful this season."
To be successful Giggs is aware United must perform far better than they did at Anfield on Sunday.
Of his club's latest defeats, the Chelsea reverse can be put down to experience, even if the reaction of manager Sir Alex Ferguson landed him in hot water with the Football Association.
What happened on Merseyside was of much greater concern.
"It has been a week of reflection," admitted Giggs.
"We knew going into the two games it was going to be tough for us.
"Actually we were quite happy with our performance against Chelsea, things just didn't go for us which can happen.
"We were more disappointed with the performance and the result at Anfield. We just didn't turn up. We didn't play and we didn't deserve to win."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments