‘Quiet’ Ryan Giggs is a Man United legend, says Michael Carrick

Michael Carrick was gushing with praise for Ryan Giggs after the midfielder signed a new one-year contract extension on Friday to keep at Manchester United until June 2014.

The 39-year-old Welshman has made a staggering 931 appearances for the Red Devils since signing a professional deal with United in 1990 and making his debut the following year.

Giggs has lifted 12 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues during trophy-laden career at Old Trafford.

And although Carrick described Giggs as a man of few words, he insists he will always look up to the midfielder as an example.

“He sets an example – and has done for a number of years. He is Mr Manchester United,” Carrick told United’s website.

“He sets the tone around the dressing room. He doesn’t say an awful lot but when he does speak, everyone listens and everyone respects him. It leads onto the pitch.

“Not many people have lasted as long as Ryan. You have to take it year by year and see how your legs hold up. He is a one-off.

“It is not just that he is still playing, it is the way he has adapted his game. In his younger years he had a totally different way of playing than he has now. To be able to do that can’t be easy. It shows the qualities that he has.”