Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs has admitted that he made a U-turn on his initial perception of an iconic moment in his legendary playing career at Old Trafford.
Ryan Giggs was one of the famed Class of ’92 members who burst onto the scene at Manchester United under legendary former Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
The 50-year-old Welshman spent the majority of his United career under Sir Alex Ferguson, who said Giggs was one of the four world-class players he managed.
During his prolific run at Old Trafford, Giggs lifted a record 13 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and four League Cups.
The United legend went on to become a player-coach under David Moyes after the former Red Devils boss succeeded Ferguson at Old Trafford in 2013.
Giggs took charge of United as interim player-manager after David Moyes was dismissed in 2014, with the Welshman retiring from football in the same year.
The former United winger went on to serve as assistant manager under Louis van Gaal and left Old Trafford in 2016 after the Dutchman was sacked from the club.
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Giggs’ iconic Man Utd moment
Ryan Giggs has been out of management since 2022 after he stepped down as Wales manager ahead of the trial that he faced in 2023 over assault charges.
The Manchester United legend, who staunchly refuted the allegations, was cleared of any wrongdoings against his ex-partner and her sister in 2023.
Giggs has not returned to management since he cleared his name over the allegations against him, but he has made a clear stance on his future in football.
During his decorated playing career, the ex-Wales boss played a key role in United’s iconic treble-winning season in the 1998-99 campaign under Sir Alex Ferguson.
United secured a 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the FA Cup semi-final before the two Premier League sides faced off again in a replay at Villa Park.
David Beckham opened the scoring for United in the first half before Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp pulled the Gunners level in the second half of the FA Cup tie.
With a 1-1 scoreline pushing the match into extra-time, Giggs broke the deadlock with a sensational solo effort and punched United’s ticket to the FA Cup final.
The ex-United winger intercepted the ball from Patrick Vieira in his own half before taking on the Arsenal defence and slotting the ball past a helpless David Seaman.
Giggs’ reaction to iconic FA Cup moment
Giggs appeared on stage at the Radlett Centre recently and the United legend candidly opened up about his scintillating solo effort against Arsenal.
The former Wales international left the stadium with an ankle injury and his foot was plastered after a challenge from ex-Arsenal defender Lee Dixon.
Giggs missed United’s crucial second-leg Champions League tie against Juventus in the semi-finals, with Roy Keane’s heroics sealing the Red Devils’ place in the final.
Speaking on his impact in the FA Cup tie, Giggs admitted he didn’t realise the exceptional quality of his winning strike against Arsenal until he watched it back.
“I left the ground on crutches,” he said, as per The Athletic.
“I thought my season was over. As I was getting on the bus, a reporter asked me: ‘Was that the greatest goal you ever scored?’”
After admitting that he initially didn’t think it was his best, Giggs added: “In my head, I was 30 yards out and I had beaten only a couple of players.
“It wasn’t until I got home, watching it on the news, that I realised I was that far out and that I’d beaten that many players.”