But then, there have been few players of that age since the Premier League began in 1992 who have displayed such enduring brilliance as Ryan Giggs, writes Stewart Coggin. And there have been none who have matched the winger's achievement of scoring in every single Premier League season.

Giggs would surely have thought that record unlikely when as a 14-year-old he was persuaded to sign schoolboy terms with Manchester United by Red Devils manager Alex Ferguson. That career defining move came after Giggs had started his career at Manchester City where he played for the club's centre of excellence. But he had been told by City's chief scout that the club would be letting him go, and Ferguson seized the moment.

It was with no little irony that he made his league debut as a 17-year-old against City, and it was fitting that he scored the only goal in a 1-0 United win. The following season, the 1991/92 campaign, saw Giggs become a regular in the United line-up. His showings earned him the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 1992 and 1993. Only he, Robbie Fowler and current team-mate Wayne Rooney have won the award twice. His displays prompted inevitable comparisons with another United legend George Best, but Giggs was very much his own player.

Nine goals in his first Premier League season was a highly impressive tally and it helped United finish 10 points clear of closest challengers Aston Villa. The next two Premier League titles Giggs would win (in 1993/94 & 1995/96) were accompanied by FA Cups as the Red Devils swept all before them. Giggs was a little older than David Beckham, Nicky Butt and the Neville brothers, dubbed 'Fergie's Fledglings', and he was proving an inspiration as Ferguson's dynasty tightened its stranglehold on the English game.

Perhaps Giggs' finest personal moment arrived in extra-time of a tense FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park in 1999. Ferguson's men were down to ten-men after the sending off of Roy Keane, and they were on the ropes as Arsenal strove to make their man advantage count. Giggs picked up a loose pass from Patrick Vieira near the half-way line, went past three Arsenal defenders, including Lee Dixon twice, before blasting the ball over David Seaman and into the net. Regarded as one of the finest goals ever scored in English football, the image of Giggs rifling the ball into the roof of the net on that wet Wednesday evening will stay with supporters of United and football as a whole until well after he has retired.

That season Giggs helped United win their historic treble. Trophies have hardly been in short supply since then. Giggs has now won 10 Premier League titles and his side are the favourites to claim their third title in a row this season.

If United do go on to claim the title, one of the sign-post victories may prove to be their 1-0 triumph against West Ham United at Upton Park on 8th February. Paul Scholes whipped a pass to the Welshman on the left. He eluded Carlton Cole and Scott Parker before planting a finish into the far corner of the net. That goal ensured Giggs became the only player to score in every Premier League season since its inception.

It is rare that a player receives applause from opposition fans. Thierry Henry was one such icon to be clapped off the pitch at away grounds, and Giggs too has found appreciation away from Old Trafford's adoring masses. He is third behind David James and Gary Speed in the all-time Premier League appearance list. 

One of Giggs' regrets will no doubt be that, like the great Best, he never played at a World Cup. After 67 caps and 12 goals, he retired from international football in 2007 without ever representing his country at a major Championship.

But it is perhaps because of his decision to concentrate solely on club football that he continues to be such a key protagonist for the Red Devils. Sir Alex Ferguson, never one to keep a player beyond his sell-by date, has even suggested that Giggs continues to get better with age.

"Ryan's performance level has not diminished and in some ways he's added to his game in terms of experience and composure," Ferguson said recently. "And he's so fit. His training times in the summer were sensational.

"It would be easy for him to be complacent after all has achieved, but he isn't and that speaks volumes for his character and explains why we wanted to extend his services and use that experience."

Giggs, who was presented with a watch by his team-mates after last May's Champions League victory over Chelsea for beating Bobby Charlton's 758 appearance record, is more enthusiastic about the game than at any time in his career.

"I feel fit and I'm enjoying my football more than ever," said Giggs, who has scored 97 Premier League goals. "This is an exciting young team and the spirit is great in the dressing room. I want to be a part of that and achieve even more success."