Giggs guns for Stuttgart

Manchester United FC are now certain of reaching the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, but after suffering a Premiership defeat to Chelsea FC recently, uefa.com diarist Ryan Giggs is eager for his side to show their strength again as VfB Stuttgart visit Old Trafford.

By Ryan Giggs

Saturday's 4-0 win against Aston Villa FC was the perfect way for us to bounce back from the Chelsea defeat. Our response was excellent both in terms of the performance and the result so we're pleased. Here at United we're not accustomed to losing that often and whenever we do get beaten, it hurts us a lot.

Important details 
We may have already qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League, but our final group match at home to Stuttgart has taken on quite a bit of importance. Their win over Rangers FC has put them level on points with us, and we now need to beat them to make sure we go through to the next stage as group winners and top seeds.

No slacking
At United we always play to win and if a group is there to be won we'll always do our best to make sure that's what happens. The job of qualification is done - and that was the only thing that really mattered - but it would give us all a boost to sign off in Europe until February with a victory.

Strong Stuttgart
Stuttgart played well to beat us over in Germany and their other results since have proved that was no fluke, so we know it will be a tough match at Old Trafford. The thing that impressed me most was how well organised they were and that has been the cornerstone of their results this season. They are doing well in their own league as well as in Europe, and much of that is down to the fact they are so strong defensively.

Very confident
But, having said that, I think we saw signs over in Stuttgart that we could beat them in a rematch, and as always when we play at Old Trafford we'll be very confident of winning the match. We've played enough big games in Europe over the past few years not to fear anyone, and we certainly won't be fearing Stuttgart.

Injury free
It's been pointed out to me quite a lot recently that the persistent hamstring problems which dogged me for many years, now seem to have cleared up dramatically. I don't want to jinx it, but it's true that they've not given me any real problems for almost two years. It's great to be injury-free, but touch wood that's how it will stay!

Munich setback
The last major problem I had with my hamstring was almost exactly two years ago, when I injured it in training before a Champions League game away to FC Bayern München. It was after that incident - which was the last in a long line of breakdowns - that the club and I decided to make sure that we explored every possible reason which could have been causing the injuries.

Lucky charms
So, ever since that day, I've tried to keep the same car and the same bed in case the constant changes were having an effect. I've also been doing regular work with the physios on my back, I've undergone acupuncture treatment and I've also taken part in yoga classes. I needed to cover every avenue and that's what I've been doing. Thankfully, it's starting to pay off.