Man Utd: Celebrating Ryan Giggs' 23 Greatest Goals On His 40th Birthday

20. vs QPR, 2013

Ryan Giggs has a wonderful record in that he has scored in every single Premier League season since its inception, and that he netted earlier this year is indicative of his evergreen qualities. The goal came against QPR, who he had tormented 19 years earlier, (more on that later) when, after staying level with the last defender, expertly evaded the offside flag to drill low and hard past Julio Cesar.

19. vs Porto, 1997

In the first leg of Manchester United€™s first European Cup quarter-final since 1969, Ryan Giggs was unplayable as he scored to help brush aside Portuguese giants Porto 4-0. Eric Cantona played a wonderful pass along the line with the outside of his foot, Andy Cole ran into the path of the ball and then waited until Giggs ran alongside him before making the pass to the Welshman, who duly blasted the ball between the goalkeeper and the post for a memorable - and emphatic - win.

18. vs Blackburn Rovers, 1993

When Manchester United were crowned champions of England for the first time in 26 years in May, 1993, you just knew somehow that Ryan Giggs would play a part in it. Against Blackburn the league was wrapped up, name on the trophy, ribbons on the handle. But that didn't stop United from putting in the sort of performance that showed why they were champions, crushing Blackburn 3-1 at Old Trafford, Giggs scoring from a long-range free-kick.

17. vs Fenerbahce, 2004

This Giggs goal has gone largely forgotten, because on this evening, a certain Wayne Rooney made his Champions League debut and stole the show with a hat-trick, but it was still a good goal - and a rare one. Rare because it was a header. After playing a one-two with Kleberson, Giggs ran into the area to glance home the Brazilian's cross, in a match United ran out 6-2 winners in.

16. vs Man City, 1996

In recent years, Manchester City have become a thorn in Manchester United's side, beating them to the Premier League title in 2011-12. And, though they didn't have the expensively-assembled side of megastars as they do now, they were at it again in 1996, frustrating United. Going into the Manchester derby at the old Maine Road, United were three points above Newcastle United and needed a win to stay top. Twice United went it front, twice City pegged them back, until, on the 77 minute mark, Giggs was found by Eric Cantona and sent a rising shot over goalkeeper Eike Immel for 2-3.