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Ryan Giggs reveals Sir Alex Ferguson once told him he wouldn't play in FIVE matches just so he could be ready to take on Chelsea's Michael Ballack because the German hated 'players running at him'

Sir Alex Ferguson once told Ryan Giggs he wouldn't play for five matches just so he could be ready to give Chelsea's Michael Ballack 'nightmares'.

The Manchester United boss told his winger to 'forget' about the matches in between and to prepare himself to face the German midfielder in three weeks time.

Ferguson wanted Giggs to play in the centre of midfield because he believed he could cause Ballack problems with his speed.

Sir Alex Ferguson believed Ryan Giggs could cause Michael Ballack 'nightmares' in midfield
The Manchester United manager told Giggs he wouldn't play in the five games before Chelsea

The Welshman said he had been in and out of the team prior to the game but that Ferguson often called upon players he trusted to perform certain roles in big games.