Ferguson urges Giggs to extend contract

Giggs,who hold the club8217;s appearance record having played in 891 games while scoring 161 goals since signing for United in 1990,remains a key player for Ferguson and showed his class once again during the 5-0 win at Fulham on Wednesday. There8217;s no evidence that his energy,stamina or speed are decreasing. It8217;s amazing, Ferguson said.

Welshman Giggs,who retired from international football in 2007 though wasnt making any promises. I need to see how I8217;m feeling before making a final decision on whether to retire, he said. Ferguson,though,has made it clear he wants the 12-times Premier League winner to keep playing. It all depends on what Ryan thinks about his future,too. But,on the evidence of what we8217;re seeing,I think he can play for another year, he said.

Pivotal player

For the first time in Ferguson8217;s 25-year tenure at the club,nearest rivals Manchester City are challenging for the title with United8217;s bid hampered by injuries. The midfield has been especially affected with Tom Cleverley and Anderson sidelined and Darren Fletcher on an extended break,leading Ferguson to challenge 30-year-old Michael Carrick to become the driving force.

City spent Christmas heading the top flight for the first time since 1929 but United trail by only two points and Ferguson said Carrick has been vital to the team8217;s resurgence since October8217;s humiliating 6-1 home defeat by their local rivals.