Ryan Giggs is fighting to be fit for Sunday’s eagerly awaited Premier League showdown with Liverpool at Old Trafford. United’s 11 times title winner has been out of  Sir Alex Ferguson’s squad since fracturing his arm five weeks ago when the 36 year old hurt himself in an accidental collision against Aston Villa at Villa Park in early February.

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A fascinating observation by a senior England official at the recent camp prior to the friendly match against Egypt gave an interesting insight into the vast difference in attitude between players from various clubs. This particular official was able to clearly differentiate between the players of Chelsea and those from Manchester United.

One of the groups had a certain swagger around the camp, a confidence that seeped into cockiness when compared to those from the North West who were far more humble and respectful. It is the difference between Sir Alex Ferguson’s Manchester United and Chelsea, where managers have been chopped and changed almost at the whim of the squad, and respect for authority eroded.

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If you only buy one book this year here’s one that has only gone into the bookshops a week ago and should create plenty of interest for any true Manchester United fan. It is the amazing story of the legendary number 11.

Frank Worrall is a journalist who writes regularly for the Sunday Times and the Sun. In this excellent book he gives the reader an inside look at the career of the Manchester United and Wales legend Ryan Giggs. His other recent works include Roy Keane: Red Man Walking and Wayne Rooney: Wayne’s World.

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Chris Smalling grew up in a household which had a mix of football loyalties. Mum Theresa followed Tottenham, his father Lloyd and younger brother Jason plumped for Manchester United while he supported Arsenal.  Little did Chris know that his world would spin upside down in the most thrilling way imaginable just a few years later.

Smalling gives the impression that he is remarkably calm about the recent turn of events that led him to sign for Manchester United. He will move to Old Trafford in the summer, just two years after he left Maidstone in the Isthmian League, six tiers below the top flight.

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Michael Owen has been ruled out for the rest of the season following a hamstring injury picked up during Sunday’s Carling Cup final victory over Aston Villa. The former Liverpool, Real Madrid and Newcastle forward pulled up during the first half on the heavy pitch and limped out of the action to be replaced by Wayne Rooney.

Scans have now revealed that the hamstring problem sustained by the 30-year-old will keep him out of action for the remainder of the campaign and will undergo an operation on Monday.

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While one Owen has heard the final whistle on his season, another is looking forward to his first outing in 18 months. It just about sums up the ironies that football has a habit of throwing up!

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves is set to make his long awaited return from injury with a run out for the reserves on Thursday. The 29-year-old has been out of action since September 2008, when he underwent revolutionary knee surgery. But Hargreaves has resumed training with the first team and boss Sir Alex Ferguson says he could return against Manchester City’s second string.

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