There aren't many players who play at the top level for as long as Ryan Giggs and Michael Carrick can remember one moment that proved his years of experience and his cannyness.
Michael Carrick had a hell of a career, especially during his time at Manchester United. He played with a whole host of legends whilst at Old Trafford and won five Premier League titles in his 12 years at Old Trafford.
The former midfielder now sits on the bench at the Theatre of Dreams in his tracksuit alongside Jose Mourinho as one of his coaches.
Carrick has been back in the news for his playing career in recent weeks though and it's all because of his autobiography, which was serialised by The Times.
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One story from his book proves Ryan Giggs on pitch smarts. During a 2012 game against Liverpool the Welsh winger decided to torture Reds defender Martin Kelly rather than pass to his teammate.
Carrick recalled:
"Picture the scene: 0-0 just before half-time at Anfield on 23 September 2012, Giggsy gets the ball and runs down the left wing, targeting Martin Kelly, the 22-year-old right-back playing for Liverpool.
"Giggsy turns back, and I'm there, in space, for the pass, it's made for me, so I scream, 'Giggsy!' He turns back again. 'Giggsy! Yes! Giggsy! Any chance?' I shout again.
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"He keeps turning, short and sharp, chopping again and again, constantly moving the ball, taking Kelly away one way and the other, but not passing.
"'For f***'s sake, Giggsy!' Chop, chop, chop, get to the byeline, chop again, and he ends up getting a corner. United fans were going, 'F***ing cross it.'
"The ref blows for half-time after the corner and as we go to the tunnel, I say, 'Giggsy?!' He smiles, gives me a little pat on the back and goes, 'His thighs will be burning. His legs have gone now.'
"''F***ing hell, so that's what you're doing it for.'
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"Genius! Giggsy never let Kelly settle."
It was clearly a ploy that worked for United on that day. The Red Devils came back from 1-0 down, through a Steven Gerrard goal, to win the game 2-1 with Rafael and Robin van Persie on target.
The match is actually best known for the red card that Jonjo Shelvey picked up in the first half with the Newcastle United midfielder receiving his marching orders and then screaming at Sir Alex Ferguson.
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Is there anyone more canny than Giggs was on the pitch?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Manchester United, Premier League, Michael Carrick, Ryan Giggs