14 hours Ago By Adnan Riaz
Manchester United icon Ryan Giggs admitted that one fellow Premier League legend was “intelligent,” “quick” and “brave” and was a real handful to play against in his career.Ryan Giggs was a devastating winger during his prime for Manchester United and the Welshman excelled for former iconic Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson.The 51-year-old former Wales boss would later transition to central midfield and Giggs’ ability to reinvent himself allowed him to keep playing at the top level.
Giggs spent his entire playing career at United and the majority of the ex-United star’s spell was under Sir Alex Ferguson after emerging on the scene in the 1990s.The United legend hoovered up major silverware during his remarkable playing career, including two Champions Leagues, four FA Cups and four League Cups.Giggs was also part of all 13 of the Red Devils’ Premier League title wins under Ferguson before the iconic 83-year-old Scotsman retired as United manager.
The ex-United and Wales star rose through the youth academy at Old Trafford and was a key first-team player for the Red Devils during his legendary spell.One of the famed ‘Class of ‘92’ stars, Giggs went on to become United’s all-time record-appearance maker before he called it time on his prolific career in 2014.READ MORE: Ryan Giggs convinced Man Utd legend is overlooked for his world-class ability in key role, he ‘very rarely’ made one mistakePhoto by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty ImagesWhy Man Utd icon Ryan Giggs had so much trouble facing Arsenal legend Lee Dixon on the pitchRyan Giggs was an ever-present figure during the famous rivalry between Sir Alex Ferguson and legendary ex-Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger in the Premier League.
The former Wales and Manchester United winger was all too familiar with the quality of Arsenal’s players under Arsene Wenger during the height of the two clubs’ competition.Speaking to the Coaches’ Voice, United icon Giggs recalled the challenge that he would face when he crossed paths with Arsenal legend Lee Dixon on the pitch.Giggs admitted that he preferred playing against former Arsenal right-back Lee Dixon at Old Trafford rather than the Gunners’ former stadium of Highbury.
“I often say Lee Dixon was one of the most difficult opponents because he was quickish but also he was intelligent,” he said in 2019.“So, I think he always got his distances right, which not all full-backs do, especially quick ones because they always think they can get out of jail.“Very often they would go [mark] tight and you only need, doesn’t matter how quick you are, a couple of yards if you’re clever enough.
“Lee Dixon always got that distance right so that you couldn’t spin in behind but also if you did get the ball to feet, he was up to you.“He was able to stop you [from] getting the ball into feet or to hurry you in your decision-making.“Highbury was a tight pitch as well, so I enjoyed playing against him more at Old Trafford than at Highbury.
It wasn’t really a winger’s dream.”READ MORE: Wayne Rooney didn’t think twice about rating legendary striker ahead of himself, only Cristiano Ronaldo dethroned pick Man Utd legend Ryan Giggs puts former Arsenal star Lee Dixon in the same bracket as Cafu and Javier ZanettiGiggs has previously waxed lyrical about Javier Zanetti and the Inter Milan icon took his place as the United legend’s toughest opponent of all time.He admitted that Lee Dixon belonged in the same bracket as Brazil legend Cafu and Javier Zanetti for the most difficult opponents he faced in his career.
“I had many battles with him over the years,” Giggs added.“[He was] intelligent, quick, brave and also, he made you run back as well.“Very often the toughest opponents I’ve played against — Cafu, [Javier] Zanetti — they were the players who’d make you work as well, make you run back.
”Dixon lifted two Premier League trophies, two First Division titles, three FA Cups and a European Cup Winners’ Cup during his prolific playing spell with Arsenal..
