Giggs: United pair land PL awards

Ryan Giggs has been voted the greatest player of the Premier League era with Sir Alex Ferguson scooping the best manager prize. The Welshman made his United debut before the inception of the new league in 1992 and has been an ever-present in the top division, scoring in every season and winning 12 titles. After seeing off competition from Dennis Bergkamp, Eric Cantona, Thierry Henry, Roy Keane, Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Scholes, Alan Shearer, Patrick Vieira and Gianfranco Zola, Giggs revealed his pride in earning the accolade. “Everything’s bigger and better now,” he told Sky Sports News at the special event in London. “Each season the Premier League has got more exciting, with better players and better facilities. It’s just a joy to be part of it, to see it right from the start to what it is now.” Sir Alex predictably came out on top in the voting for best manager and Giggs paid tribute to his boss. “He’s the biggest influence on my career,” said the 38-year-old. “I’ve known him since I was 13. He knew my name, my parents’ names and the little details had a big impression on me. It’s the personal touch that sets him apart from anybody else.”