Giggs - We're not underdogs

Ryan Giggs was in bullish mood ahead of Manchester United’s clash with Bayern Munich on Tuesday, insisting no team relishes a trip to Old Trafford in the Champions League.

German champions Bayern are many people’s favourites not only to win this quarter-final, but to go on and retain the European trophy they claimed for a fifth time last May.

But Giggs’ message at Monday’s press conference was clear: the Reds are still a force to be reckoned with and will come out fighting.

"We don't see ourselves as underdogs," the veteran said. "We see ourselves as Manchester United playing at home in the Champions League, so we're looking forward to it."

Giggs played in United’s most famous encounter with Bayern, the 1999 Champions League final, and was asked what the differences were between then and now.

"The players – apart from myself, obviously!" he said. "These are two huge clubs with two great histories, two teams who have played football the right way.

"But we won't be using 1999 as inspiration – some of the lads probably won't remember it!" Sitting alongside David Moyes at the event, Giggs was asked about his relationship with the manager, only the second one he’s had during 23 years in United’s first team.

"The relationship is good," he said. "There is no problem with the manager. I know a lot of stuff has been said [in the media] but I don't know where it has come from.

"Of course, as a player you want to play all the time but I know I’m not going to play every game. The last time I played [against Olympiacos] was my first start in six or seven weeks but we have a lot of players to choose from.

"You’ve seen from the performance against Olympiacos that I’m always ready to play. That’s what you have to do, not sulk because you’re not playing. You’ve got to be ready to play for the team and I was."

Asked if this could be his final European campaign as a player, Giggs added: "I don’t know. I’ll tell you after tomorrow maybe.

"I’m trying to enjoy this season and at the end I’ll take stock and see what I want to do. I’m enjoying my football as much as ever, I feel fit but I'll make a decision at the end of the season."