Giggs defends controversial goal

Giggs won the game for Manchester United

Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs says there was nothing wrong with his winning goal against Lille in midweek.

Lille were furious his quick Champions League free-kick was allowed to stand.

But Giggs told BBC Five Live: "Some say it was a controversial goal but I just asked the ref if I could take a quick free-kick and he gave me permission.

"I think more has been made of it because of the reaction by Lille's players. As far as I'm concerned it was a normal goal."

Manchester United took a 1-0 lead from the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.

But the Welsh international's 83rd-minute goal sparked huge controversy as Lille's players appeared to walk off in protest.

The French club lodged an official complaint to Uefa about the goal but their protest came to nothing.

And Lille could face punishment for threatening to walk off the field after being charged with improper behaviour by Uefa.

Speaking on BBC Five Live, Giggs added: "I was surprised by the reaction. Obviously they were disappointed as it was late on and they've given away a goal so they were upset but I've never seen football players walking off the pitch."

Giggs is enjoying one of his best seasons in a Manchester United shirt.

We are in a good position in the league but there is a long way to go Ryan Giggs

The 33-year-old said he is revelling in his role as one of the side's most senior players.

"We've been scoring lots of goals together, with a solid defence that you build it upon, but we've been enjoying our football - both individually and as a team," he said.

Giggs has formed a lethal attacking partnership with Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo, who he believes have the potential to be the stars of the game.

"They are two players with tremendous potential and potentially could be world greats. They have got a lot to do but have certainly got the talent.

"With two or three years maybe left in the game you want to enjoy every game and every season and that's what I've tried to do this season.

"At 19 or 20 you can't see the end, you think its going to go on forever but as you get into your thirties you appreciate it a lot more. You enjoy training and playing in games, especially big games, and you don't look too far into the future."

United stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership to nine points with a late win over Fulham on Saturday but Giggs says there is still a long way to go in the title race.

"I've been fortunate to win the league a few times and you have to earn it. There are going to be ups and downs before the end of the season, we are going to drop points," he conceded.

"You have to have the character and team spirit to come back from it and hopefully we will have.

"We are in a good position in the league but there is a long way to go. We'll try and win every game and hopefully we will be OK."