Giggs Fine With 40

Ryan Giggs is unfazed about reaching 40 in a couple of months' time as he is proud of his longevity at the top level of the game.

The United legend made his debut before the dawn of the Barclays Premier League and has already made some telling contributions in the opening matches of the season, including an assist for Robin van Persie's opening strike at Swansea City.

In an exclusive interview with United Review, the official matchday programme, Giggs hinted that he fears his team-mates will make a fuss over his landmark birthday.

“Apparently 40 is the new 30, so I’m looking forward to it," he joked. "I know it’s quite daunting for some people but you just have to embrace it, not worry too much about it and just enjoy yourself.

"I’ve never really put too much stock in my age – to me, it’s more about how you feel and I feel pretty good at the moment. That said, I might try to keep my birthday a secret from all the lads when it comes round on 29 November. That might prove tough, though!"

Despite looking as fit as he has ever done, Giggs concedes that he is unlikely to be able to play three times in a week this term.

"What’s changed most over the years is the time it takes for me to recover after a game," he admitted. "Instead of having a day’s light training after a match, I might have two recovery days now. And playing Saturday-Wednesday-Saturday just doesn’t tend to happen anymore.

"I definitely feel the effects of playing football these days. Sometimes I’ll see other players who I played alongside – like Nicky Butt, Paul Scholes or Phil Neville – and they have retired already, even though they’re younger than me. I suppose it’s quite funny to think I’m older than them and I’m still going."

The former Wales international will hope to be involved in the Capital One Cup tie against Liverpool on Wednesday night after being rested of late - he provided the pass for Brian McClair in the final of the competition way back in 1992.