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Manchester United's Ryan Giggs admitted being on his toes with Rafael Da Silva waiting in the wings to take his place.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, the 36-year-old gave an insight towards the team dynamics at Old Trafford and how competition is tight to stay in the first-team squad.
He said: "When you train with Rafael, he's trying to kick you and it keeps you motivated.
"You're against the best young right-back in Britain - probably the best in the world. You've got to be at your best just to stay in touch in training.
"If it was the case that I felt I was just making up the numbers or not contributing to the cause then I'd know it was time to retire.
"But for the last few years I've taken it as it comes. I still feel good and I've just signed a contract extension. I know I won't be able to play every game, but with sports science nowadays, players take more care of themselves and their careers are going on longer.
"I know I can't fly up and down the wing anymore so I've had to change my game and evolve.
"I'm the same as Gary Nevile and Paul Scholes. We'd never be happy just getting into the team on reputation. You always want make an impact and if that stops happening I think we'd pack in."
Giggs turned back the clock with an outstanding performance when coming on as a substitute in United's 3-0 defeat of Newcastle, and scored the third goal that ended the Toon's hopes of rescuing a result
Subject: Giggs lauds Da Silva quality 
Tue Aug 17, 2010 10:09 am
