If there is one thing Manchester United haven't been short of in their extraordinary history, it's great players.
And in a special poll United fans have voted for Ryan Giggs as the club's greatest ever, beating legends like Eric Cantona, George Best and Sir Bobby Charlton.
From one legend to another: Ryan Giggs receives his award from Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson
Giggs has endeared himself to millions of United fans worldwide with his magnificent career, which has now lasted more than 20 years.
The Welshmen made his United debut in 1991, and in the two decades since he has helped the Reds to 11 league titles, four FA Cups and two European Cups.
His finest hour came in 1999, when he scored a stunning winner in an FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park, which gave United the impetus to go and win an unforgettable treble.
Despite all his achievements, Giggs admits he was surprised to top the poll.
He said: 'Obviously it’s all down to opinion and everyone is going to have a different view, but when I got told I genuinely couldn’t believe it to be honest, especially because there have been so many great players here. I’m not finished yet though – I feel great and I hope I can carry on for a while longer.'
'I honestly don’t know where the time has gone – and I’ve already had quite a bit of stick about it.
'There was an article in the paper about it being 20 years since my debut and they had some stats in there which the lads were killing me about – Rafa (da Silva) and Fabio were only about eight months old at the time, and (Arsenal’s) Jack Wilshere wasn’t even born!
Where it all began: Giggs at Crystal Palace in 1991
'The time has gone very quickly – my twenties in particular seemed to fly by. Since turning 30, though, I’ve been able to enjoy and savour things a lot more. You’re more mature when you get to 30 and I think you experience things better.'
The longevity of his career at the top means Giggs will always be included in any British football hall of fame. From the moment he burst on to the scene as an exciting teenager, through to the current day, he has embodied all that remains good about the game.
There will certainly be United supporters, particularly those of a certain vintage, who insist the vote should have been won by one of their legends of the 1960s like Best or Charlton.
And there will surely be a few eyebrows raised at the omission of Duncan Edwards, who was considered by many to be the best player in the world before he tragically died at the age of 21 after being involved in the Munich air crash, and Denis Law, who is still thought of as the king of Old Trafford by a generation of fans.
But few would begrudge Giggs, BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2009, picking up yet another award.
Finest hour: Giggs fires home his unforgettable FA Cup winner for United against Arsenal in 1999
As he was given the award, Giggs reflected some more on the past, saying: 'I remember getting into the team at 17 and looking around at senior players like Brucey (Steve Bruce), Pally (Gary Pallister) and Incey (Paul Ince) and thinking, "How old are they?". And they weren’t that old at all! When you’re starting off, where I am now is a million miles away.
'To be honest, it doesn’t really feel like I’m 37; I have some great banter with the young players and still think of myself as just one of the lads.'
Still going strong: Giggs celebrates with Nani after United's dramatic win at Blackpool last week
Asked to name his own personal top three, Giggs picked team-mates past and present. 'Paul Scholes first, Roy Keane second and Peter Schmeichel third,' he said. 'There have been some unbelievable players here down the years – Best, Law, Charlton; Duncan Edwards... so many.
'But I’ve gone for the ones I’ve played with, purely because I’ve seen what they did first hand and what they bring to the team.'
Legends: Eric Cantona (left) and George Best (right) finished in second and third place in the poll
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who has been like a father figure for Giggs over the years, said he wasn't surprised by the results of the poll, which was voted on by readers of the club's official magazine, Inside United and website, ManUtd.com.
Ferguson said: 'Longevity always comes into play in these things, and Ryan’s been around for more time than any other player here. He recently appeared in his 600th league game, which is an exceptional achievement. That won’t be done again, not by one player at the same club.
'And then we can talk about his performances, which have been top class for 20 years. Even now, at the age of 37, he’s amazing.
It’s quite something to be named number one, isn’t it, considering the competition? When you look at the galaxy of stars that have been at this club, this is a huge honour for Ryan.
'There are some who would maybe put others ahead of him – players such as Denis Law, George Best or Eric Cantona – but nobody can argue he doesn’t deserve to be in that top bracket. Polls like these are so difficult, purely because Manchester United have had so many top footballers over the years.
'I get asked about Ryan all the time, and I always find myself talking about the same attributes – the way he’s looked after his physique, the way he constantly strives to better himself and the way he applies himself to make sure he succeeds. He’s a fantastic role model for young players.'
