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Giggs in no mood to relax

Ryan Giggs tells uefa.com that Manchester United FC will "not ease up" against FC Basel at Old Trafford.

By Iain Spragg

Manchester United FC may be trailing in Arsenal FC's wake in the English Premiership, but the UEFA Champions League is proving to be a happy hunting ground.

No fuss
Nine victories in ten Champions League games have propelled Sir Alex Ferguson's side into the quarter-finals with a minimum of fuss, but United's Wales winger Ryan Giggs is determined they will not slip up in tonight's Matchday 11 encounter with FC Basel.

Basel challenge
"We know we're already through to the last eight but we certainly won't be easing up against Basel," Giggs told uefa.com. "We take a great deal of pride in our record at Old Trafford in this competition. Although we're guaranteed top spot in the group, we know the fans will not tolerate us losing at home."

Sole blemish
The only blemish on United's otherwise flawless Champions League record this season came in October against Israeli side Maccabi Haifa FC in Cyprus in the first group stage. It was not a result that had any impact on United's progress to the last 16 but, according to Giggs, that was hardly the point.

Determined stance
"We don't like to lose any game, even if it is not crucial in terms of qualification or points," he said. "The manager gave some of the youngsters a run-out that night but we all represent Manchester United and every result reflects on all of us. Whoever plays against Basel will be determined to get the right result."

'No illusions'
Giggs, a United veteran at 29, knows that Basel are more than worthy of respect after a season in which they have made a mockery of their lowly European pedigree. "Basel aren't exactly one of the big names in European football but it's important to remember they qualified from the first phase ahead of Liverpool [FC], which speaks for itself," he said. "We're under no illusions about their capabilities. They've been a great advert for Swiss football this season."

Domestic struggle
Despite blossoming in Europe, United are no longer the dominant force domestically. Explaining why, Giggs said: "The quality of teams in the Premiership this season is the highest I can remember and the gap between the top two or three clubs and the rest has narrowed, which has made it harder and harder to go on a long unbeaten league run. But we're now very experienced in the Champions League and comfortable playing the European way, which gives us great confidence."

Dream finale
With this season's Champions League final being held at Old Trafford, United could have no better motivation to go one better than last season's semi-final exit. Giggs concedes the prospect of a final in front of their own fans is a mouthwatering one. "The Champions League final is a truly fantastic experience," he said. "But to play at Old Trafford would be even better, it would be such a special night for everyone. There's still a long way to go before then but there's no doubt it is a thought at the back of all the players' minds."

Ryan Giggs' personal website is at www.icons.com

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