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Ryan Giggs is confident Manchester United will continue to prosper, even without the talents of Cristiano Ronaldo and Carlos Tevez. The departed duo were major inspirations behind United's UEFA Champions League-winning campaign two seasons ago.
And while Tevez ultimately left in bad-tempered fashion, annoyed at his lack of first-team opportunities, Ronaldo was also a key figure in a third straight Premier League title last term. However, in his 18 years as a United regular, Giggs has seen countless stars come and go. On each occasion, the Red Devils have responded in the perfect manner.
Since I came the likes of Robson, Hughes, Cantona, Van Nistelrooy, Keane and Beckham have left. But that is what the manager is so good at - reshaping and re-energising the team.
Ryan Giggs on his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
And the Welsh veteran can see no reason why it should be any different this time round. "Since I came into the team the likes of Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and David Beckham have left the club," he said.
"But that is what the manager is so good at - reshaping and re-energising the team. Carlos and Cristiano were great players but we move on. As players it's like ships in the night. You just get on with it."
Owen creates 'great buzz'
Indeed, while only one of United's three summer signings is part of the squad currently touring the Far East, it would appear Ferguson has already unearthed someone who can replace Tevez in particular. Michael Owen's background as a former Liverpool player may ensure he is never received quite as warmly as the Argentinian was. But the early indications are he could be more clinical in front of goal.
Owen scored in both the Red Devils' games against a Malaysian side in Kuala Lumpur early this week. And while the focus is now bound to be on Park Ji-Sung as the Red Devils head to Korea Republic, Rio Ferdinand has a feeling his international colleague can be a big hit at Old Trafford.
"The lads get a great buzz out of seeing someone like Michael Owen score goals," he said. "When he signed for the club there were a lot of doubters out there. People were saying all kinds of things about him. We have heard it all.
He is one of those players you might not see for 90 minutes but in time added on, he will score a goal. Those are the type of players you need to win things.
Rio Ferdinand on his new Manchester United team-mate Michael Owen
"But the players go in there with an open mind and just hope to see the player we know Michael can be. He is one of those players you might not see for 90 minutes but in time added on, he will score a goal. Those are the type of players you need to win things.
"It is great to have him in our squad because he is such a good player and a fantastic lad to have around. Fingers crossed he can have an injury-free season and score some goals for us."
And while Tevez ultimately left in bad-tempered fashion, annoyed at his lack of first-team opportunities, Ronaldo was also a key figure in a third straight Premier League title last term. However, in his 18 years as a United regular, Giggs has seen countless stars come and go. On each occasion, the Red Devils have responded in the perfect manner.
Since I came the likes of Robson, Hughes, Cantona, Van Nistelrooy, Keane and Beckham have left. But that is what the manager is so good at - reshaping and re-energising the team.
Ryan Giggs on his Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson
And the Welsh veteran can see no reason why it should be any different this time round. "Since I came into the team the likes of Bryan Robson, Mark Hughes, Eric Cantona, Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane and David Beckham have left the club," he said.
"But that is what the manager is so good at - reshaping and re-energising the team. Carlos and Cristiano were great players but we move on. As players it's like ships in the night. You just get on with it."
Owen creates 'great buzz'
Indeed, while only one of United's three summer signings is part of the squad currently touring the Far East, it would appear Ferguson has already unearthed someone who can replace Tevez in particular. Michael Owen's background as a former Liverpool player may ensure he is never received quite as warmly as the Argentinian was. But the early indications are he could be more clinical in front of goal.
Owen scored in both the Red Devils' games against a Malaysian side in Kuala Lumpur early this week. And while the focus is now bound to be on Park Ji-Sung as the Red Devils head to Korea Republic, Rio Ferdinand has a feeling his international colleague can be a big hit at Old Trafford.
"The lads get a great buzz out of seeing someone like Michael Owen score goals," he said. "When he signed for the club there were a lot of doubters out there. People were saying all kinds of things about him. We have heard it all.
He is one of those players you might not see for 90 minutes but in time added on, he will score a goal. Those are the type of players you need to win things. Rio Ferdinand on his new Manchester United team-mate Michael Owen
"But the players go in there with an open mind and just hope to see the player we know Michael can be. He is one of those players you might not see for 90 minutes but in time added on, he will score a goal. Those are the type of players you need to win things.
"It is great to have him in our squad because he is such a good player and a fantastic lad to have around. Fingers crossed he can have an injury-free season and score some goals for us."
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