Giggs collected number nine in May - eclipsing the record of eight jointly held by Liverpool legends Phil Neal and Alan Hansen - and, after a slow start, United are finally starting to click into gear as they chase a 10th championship triumph under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Already the most decorated player in United history, Giggs is now closing in on Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record.

Although he missed Saturday's win over Sunderland with a minor hamstring problem, the now-retired Wales international is just 38 adrift of Charlton's landmark 759, a figure the 33-year-old should pass with ease once talks over a contract extension, which both Ferguson and chief executive David Gill confirmed would be forthcoming during United's recent Far East tour, reach conclusion.

An extra year at Old Trafford would also allow Giggs to chase the magic 11 titles.

For, while the veteran wide man has never gone in for an excessive celebration of any personal achievement, he acknowledges reaching such a mark would be very satisfying.

"It would be nice to get to 10 - but it would be nicer to get to 11," he told www.manutd.com

"I don't want to be greedy but that is my shirt number, so that is what I am aiming for.

"The medals are not something I think about too much because I want to win more, but it is something that I will be immensely proud of when I finish."

Giggs' retirement date is a long way off yet.

In abandoning his commitments to Wales, the Cardiff-born star felt he would give his body more of a chance to recover during hectic periods in the season.

He is experiencing the first benefit now, staying back at Carrington to train with the likes of Paul Scholes and Louis Saha as the rest of his team-mates fly off to all corners of Europe.

It should mean Giggs, fitness permitting, will be a prime candidate to feature in Ferguson's side when the battle for Premier League points resumes at Everton on September 15.

Having lost Wayne Rooney to injury and Cristiano Ronaldo to suspension so early in the campaign, the United fans have yet to see precisely what formation Ferguson has in mind for his new-look champions.

However, whether he is called upon to occupy his long-established role on the left wing or to drift into a more central position, Giggs is just happy to be involved.

"I have got the experience to play all the positions, so it doesn't really bother me where I play," he said.

"My role has evolved anyway over the years. I have had to change my game because I am not as quick as I used to be.

"As a winger, you cannot rely on your pace as much. You have to use your head a bit more.

"Hopefully, the yards I have lost in pace, I have gained in experience and intelligence of reading the game."