Giggs, Ferguson named best of the best

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs has been named as the Premier League’s best player in its 20-year history.

The 38-year-old winger has been ever present since the rebranding of the top-flight back in 1992, recently breaking the 900 appearances mark in all competitions – all for the Red Devils.

During his time at Old Trafford, Giggs has lifted the league title 12 times, with two Champions League medals and whole host of other domestic and continental honours in between.

In a dominant night for United, Sir Alex Ferguson was named best manager.

The awards were launched by the Premier League to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the competition, voted on by a panel of leading football figures, journalists and commentators.

Giggs won PFA Young Player of the Year twice in succession and Players’ Player of the Season for his performances in the 2008/09 campaign, while claiming the BBC Sports Personality of the Year in the same season.

The former international captain also holds numerous records throughout the history of the Premier League, with such accolades as most capped player with 638 appearances, the only player to have played and scored in every season of the Premier League, as well as the first to score 100 goals in the league for United.

On being named the league’s best player, Giggs said: “It’s a joy to be a part of the Premier League, to see it right from the start to what it is now.”

Ferguson, meanwhile, has been involved in every season of the Premier League since its inception, having been in charge at Old Trafford since 1986.

He has managed the likes of Bryan Robson, Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who have undoubtedly contributed to his success along with many more household names.