Ryan Giggs’ achievements at Manchester United have surpassed those of Paolo Maldini at AC Milan – John O’Shea

Ryan Giggs(Getty Images)

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Manchester United defender John O’Shea has hailed team-mate Ryan Giggs‘ supreme levels of fitness.

After Giggs equalled Sir Bobby Charlton’s league appearances record for the club on Tuesday night, O’Shea has compared his achievements to that of AC Milan and Italy legend Paolo Maldini, who played until the age of 40.

O’Shea told The Sun: “His physical shape hasn’t changed since I’ve known him and he looks after himself so well.

“It’s just incredible. Maldini springs to mind with AC Milan but I think Giggsy has even gone past him.

“The speed and the balance he still shows to go past whether it be an old, experienced defender or a new, up-and-coming young strong defender is incredible.

“Depending on injuries he could easily carry on, although I am sure he just wants to take it one season at a time.

“He is just enjoying it so much at the minute so I can’t see why not, but I’ll let him decide on that.”

Giggs’ total of 863 appearances for Manchester United is still some way behind Maldini’s 902 for AC Milan, but having recently signed a new one-year contract extension, the Welshman could surpass the former Italy international’s tally.

O’Shea continued: “You see how the manager has built squads and Giggsy has been a vital part of every single one of them.

“Every cliche in the book has been used about the man already and I am sure they will be said many times again.

“He is an absolute legend.”