Paul Scholes: Ryan Giggs The Top Manchester United Man I’ve Ever Seen

RYAN GIGGS is the greatest player at Manchester United during Paul Scholes’ time at the club.

The former United and England midfielder, 36, who retired at the end of last season, admits there is an almost ­endless list of talented stars who he has played alongside.

But he reveals that in his eyes Giggs, who holds the club record for ­appearances, is the No.1.

Scholes said: “There have been so many outstanding players I have had as team-mates – Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Paul Ince, Teddy Sheringham, Dwight Yorke, David Beckham, Andy Cole, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Nicky Butt…

“But if I had to name one, it would be Ryan. He could do everything. He could play in every position – as he’s shown these past couple of years.

“He has gone to central midfield and he has been amazing.

“And in terms of people I have played against, again there are so many brilliant players. Zinedine Zidane and Rivaldo, in particular, come to mind.

“I remember playing against Rivaldo when he was at Barcelona and against us for Brazil in the World Cup. We play in the same area of the pitch and he was amazing. I’ve been lucky to play with some great players – and against some.”

Scholes admits he knew from February he would be calling time on his career three months later.

He said: “I never really thought it would be a difficult decision. I just thought I would know when the time was right.

“Last season, the way I was feeling in games, I felt the time was right. There wasn’t one game in particular – up until December, when we played Rangers in the Champions League, I had felt great physically.

“But I then had a groin injury that kept me out for about seven weeks, when really it should have been only a week.

“I struggled from that point on to get back into it and never felt great ­physically so I knew what was going to happen from about February.

“I gave myself that initial four or five weeks just to give me a chance to get my legs back. I was hoping that the period I had been out was the reason for my tiredness.

“But as I got deeper into the season, I knew it was time.”

Scholes is now preparing to assist on the coaching side at United as part of manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s staff.

He said: “My next role isn’t defined yet. I am going to go and see the manager at the beginning of next month and we will have a chat about it then. I’m sure he has some ideas of what he wants me to do.

“I think it will be more hands-on coaching, rather than an ambassadorial position. Maybe working with Warren Joyce with the reserves? I am not sure yet but I will probably just watch for the first few weeks and build myself into it.

“I have started my level two and level three coaching badges.

“I’ve done all my classroom work and just need to get out on the training pitch and get my hours in.”