Giggs warns of complacency

27 December 2010 02:30

Ryan Giggs is taking nothing for granted even though Manchester United's grip on the Premier League is beginning to strengthen.

United head to Birmingham on Tuesday still unbeaten following Sunday's win over Sunderland and with daylight starting to appear between them and their nearest challengers.

"You are obviously wary because of the way the league has been this year," said Giggs. "Anyone can beat anyone. We are thankful we remain unbeaten and confidence is high. But we realise that nothing can be taken for granted."

A quirk of the fixture list means Sir Alex Ferguson's men might well have been overhauled by local rivals Manchester City when they kick off at St Andrew's.

Yet City would have played three games more for their single-point advantage, which leaves Ferguson with plenty of breathing space before that particular initiative is surrendered.

However, Giggs is not getting carried away. The veteran Welshman is acutely aware United have had two away games - at Blackpool and Chelsea - postponed and that, in this of all seasons, shock results can crop up at any time.

"It is a tough league and we need to be at our best in every game," he added.

Yet the self-belief at Old Trafford must be fuelled by the knowledge United traditionally improve at this time of year.

It is rare for United not to kick on during January and there is a possibility that by the time they encounter Chelsea for the first time in March, they could be too far in front for Carlo Ancelotti's men to do anything about it.

"We hope to get better in the second half of the season," said Giggs. "Our form over the last few weeks has been really good. We looked sharp against Arsenal and Blackburn, and it was the same against Sunderland. Some of the play we produced, the one-touch passing and the movement, was great to be involved in."