Ryan Giggs - United's golden oldie

Ryan Giggs - United's golden oldie

Ryan Giggs has no intention of spending any time worrying whether this season will be his last.

Giggs turns 36 in November, and there has been plenty of speculation that the Manchester United great will call time on his incredible career when the campaign is over.

That is not to say Giggs has been performing like a man struggling to get through every game.

The Welshman looks as fit as ever and still appears capable of making a meaningful contribution to United's bid to land an unprecedented fourth successive league title.

While that situation still exists, Giggs can see no value in pondering his future.

"You can't afford to spend time thinking about what is going to happen in the future, because you need to put all your energy into playing for United and performing to your best," he said.

"I take every season as it comes now.

"If I am enjoying my football and I am fit then I will carry on.

"I felt good last season and I have felt good during pre-season this time, so I will just go out and try to enjoy myself.

"At 35, coming up to 36 in November, the last couple of years have been a bonus for me really. I am still playing at a top club and enjoying it more than ever."

The Red Devils begin the defence of their title against newly-promoted Birmingham at Old Trafford on Sunday.

After dropping points at home against Reading and Newcastle - clubs who went on to get relegated - on the opening day of the previous two seasons, Sir Alex Ferguson will be anxious to avoid a hat-trick.

Losing Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid has given all United's major rivals fresh hope of wrestling Premier League supremacy away from Old Trafford.

For the defending champions, a place in the history books awaits.

Like Huddersfield, Arsenal and Liverpool, the Red Devils have achieved a hat-trick of championships before. Four on the trot is unchartered territory.

"That is the challenge for us," said Giggs.

"It has never been done before, and this club is pretty good at setting new records - so we hope we can do that.

"It is such a tough league to win. If we could do it, it would certainly be a great achievement."

Giggs and his team-mates are starting to get used to life without Ronaldo.

Always a popular figure in the dressing room, the world player of the year takes with him an average of more than 30 goals a season.

Everyone connected with United recognises the void is immense. Yet Giggs does not feel their performances will necessarily be adversely affected.

New arrivals Antonio Valencia and Michael Owen have both provided glimpses of talent that could prove to be hugely beneficial.

Wayne Rooney looks set for an extended run in his favoured position, just behind a central striker - expected to be Dimitar Berbatov.

"I have seen many great players come and go at this club. It is part and parcel of being a footballer," said Giggs.

"As a player, you don't think about it. The manager chooses the system for each game depending on the opposition and the players available, and that will just continue.

"We all feel Wayne Rooney is so good he can perform well anywhere in the team.

"It seems now that he will play the majority of the games up front so we will be looking him to score the goals."

Remarkably, with 11 title medals in his collection, Giggs retains the hunger and desire to want more.

It is an attitude Ferguson hopes will filter down to some of the younger members of his squad, although Giggs senses a general feeling of excitement before what promises to be a closely-fought battle.

"We just want to get on with it now," he said.

"I don't think any player likes pre-season because of the obvious hard work and running.

"The games are all about fitness really, so we are all looking forward to getting going.

"We are champions and we know everyone will be out to beat us, but we are used to that.

"The challenges are there for us, both as individuals and as a team.

"You just have to prepare yourself properly, make sure you have that hunger and desire and enjoy yourself."