Giggs: We're on countdown

Ryan Giggs believes United’s comeback against Middlesbrough may prove crucial as the Reds move into countdown mode for the final five games.

An April blizzard wasn’t the only surprise at the Riverside. Two goals from Afonso Alves put the home side in front after Cristiano Ronaldo had given the Reds the lead. It took Wayne Rooney’s late strike to haul United level and edge into a three-point lead over second-placed Chelsea.

“We hope it will be a crucial point,” Giggs told MUTV. “After going 2-1 down, it's probably a point gained. Some people before the game were saying the title was done and dusted. We’ve always said there are tough games coming up, for us and Arsenal and Chelsea.

There will be a few twists and turns yet. We’re on countdown now. There are five matches to go and we’ll be up for each one. We want to win every game and we’re capable of doing it. But we’ll have to be at our best.”

With Nemanja Vidic missing, John O’Shea took the Serbian’s place alongside Rio Ferdinand. But Middlesbrough’s all-out attack really tested the newly-formed central defensive partnership. Giggs gave full recognition to Afonso Alves, scorer of both Boro goals, and Jeremie Aliadiere.

“We had good players coming in," he said. "You have to give credit to Boro. They didn’t have anything to lose, so they went for it. Not many teams do that against us. They kept two up front and they were always dangerous on the break.

“We started well, with good movement, passing, and taking the lead through Cristiano’s goal. When Middlesbrough scored, it was a case of they attack, we attack. It was an open game. It could be a good point because it’s one of the toughest grounds to come to.”