Giggs: I feared the worst

With United in the Champions League again, a baby daughter at home and Wales on course for Euro 2004, he believes 2003 could prove the best year of his life.

'I think that this year could be right at the top if things go well,' he added. 'It was a relief that my daughter Libby was born healthy towards the end of last season and I'm happy with my football.

'The Champions League is important. We know we're good enough to win it again but we need to prove it. With Wales, we haven't been to a major finals for nearly 50 years and that's too long for a country that's produced so many good players. I always want to do well at Manchester United but now I have the chance to do well with Wales as well. That's exciting and very important to me.

'I've three years left on my United contract and I've always made it clear I want to stay. I want to achieve with this club all the things I've been talking about.

'I've never before had stick to the level I got from some people last season. But at United expectations are high and, in the end, experience sees you through.'

Giggs only contributed 30 minutes to his side's victory at the Los Angeles Coliseum on Sunday. Having played for an hour against Celtic in Seattle last week, he was understandably not asked to exert himself fully in 90-degree temperatures.

Having placed aside the 4-3-2-1 formation that worked so well in Seattle, Ferguson chose 4-4-2 in Los Angeles and, with Diego Forlan and Ruud van Nistelrooy up front, it was left to young David Bellion to fill the 'David Beckham position' on the right of midfield. Bellion had impressed as a substitute last week but faltered on Sunday, with poor decisions while in possession.

For Forlan, however, it was a memorable evening. Having missed three opportunities last week, he took two this time with some style.

Once Van Nistelrooy had scored with a flourish of his right foot from 18 yards in the 46th minute, it was left to his junior partner to assume top billing. The near-post header he added to Quinton Fortune's run and cross three minutes after Van Nistelrooy's goal was certainly impressive, but he excelled himself in the 80th minute, running on to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's flick to smash a half-volley into the top corner from 15 yards.

It was impressive stuff from a player who often looks a level below that required by the Premiership champions and his contribution earned him due praise.

Ferguson said: 'Diego suffered for the sake of the team. But he's done well tonight and I'm pleased.'

United arrived in New York yesterday and face Juventus at Giants Stadium on Thursday before ending their tour against Barcelona in Philadelphia on Sunday.