Sir Bobby rooting for Ryan

How they measure up

Sir Bobby Charlton
Born: 11 Oct 1937
Debut: 6 Oct 1956 v Charlton (H)
Appearances: 759
Goals: 249

Ryan Giggs
Born: 29 Nov 1973
Debut: 02 Mar 1991 v Everton (H)
Appearances: 721
Goals: 141

Sir Bobby Charlton is counting down the games until Ryan Giggs passes his longstanding United appearance record.

The United legend is already preparing to honour the Welsh winger, despite Giggs still needing another 39 appearances to overtake Charlton.

"I would love it if Ryan got the record," said Sir Bobby, at a promotion for his new autobiography: 'My Manchester United Years'.

"It would be so fitting and I would be pleased to have the opportunity to go onto the pitch and present him with something. In fact, if they didn't ask me, I would pester them until they did.

"When I finished I could not believe anyone would play more games than that. I did so much running for so many years, I just didn't think it would be possible.

"But Ryan is almost there now. To physically put your body through what he has is very difficult and that is why I am so delighted for him."

Sir Bobby, who made 759 appearance for United, can still remember his first sighting of Giggs, on his way to meet Sir Alex Ferguson at United's Littleton Road training ground.