Ferguson: Giggs was better than Bale at 23

18 January 2013 19:40

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson believes Ryan Giggs was a better player than fellow Welshman Gareth Bale at the age of 23.

Giggs, now 39, has made a club record 926 appearances for United since his debut in 1990 and is remarkably expected to play on next season.

Bale, who turns 24 this year, has attracted interest from the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid after establishing himself as one of the most exciting talents in the English Premier League for Tottenham Hotspur.

"I think the boy (Bale) is a good player, yes," Ferguson said.

"But Ryan Giggs at 23, I don't think there was anyone better."

United will travel to Tottenham in the Premier League on Sunday as Ferguson's men look to extend their advantage on top of the table.

Ferguson praised the performance of Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas since his arrival at White Hart Lane in July.

"I think they've done well this season," Ferguson said.

"I've watched quite a few of their games and I think their form has been quite consistent.

"I think they will be challenging for the top four, I don't think there's any doubt that.

"I think Villas-Boas has got them the way he wants. He's now been there a few months and there's signs that there playing the way he wants them to play."

On the news of midfielder Darren Fletcher's absence for the remainder of the season, Ferguson was upbeat that the 28-year-old Scotsman would be back.

"He tried his best to cope with the condition with the treatments he was using," Ferguson said.

"This operation hopefully solves the situation in terms of his career in the game and we expect him to be back in July.

"It's a blow for the boy but given that he's been dealing with the condition for a couple of years now, it's just another step towards one, very importantly his health, and secondly his career in the game. And hopefully with this operation that'll be the case."