United can 'scare' elite of Europe, says Giggs

United, who were eliminated at the group stage last season, ensured their would be no repeat as they overcame the loss of an early Nelson goal to beat Benfica 3-1 on Wednesday night and clinch top spot in Group F after Celtic lost in Copenhagen.

The merit of winning their section is debatable given that Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid and Serie A leaders Inter Milan are all prospective opponents when they draw is made a week today.

However, Giggs claims there is no need for trepidation in the United ranks, the Welshman instead claiming that it is other teams who should be fearful of being drawn against his own side.

"There are a lot of massive teams in the next round but if we are still in the same form when the knockout stages are played as we are at the moment, no-one will want to play against us," he said.

"You have to produce good football, that is how you put teams on the back foot and make them scared of you. That is what we have done this year.

"Nobody is going to relish coming to Old Trafford in the form we are showing."

Giggs was one of the inspirations behind United's win, netting the all-important second with a looping header after Cristiano Ronaldo had provided a sensational cross from the right.

It was his 138th goal for United and sets him up perfectly for Saturday's Manchester derby when he will reach another personal milestone.

In turning out for the 688th time, he will join Bill Foulkes in second spot on United's all-time appearance lists, trailing only Sir Bobby Charlton, who appeared for United on 754 occasions.

Yet, just like the mountain of winners' medals which make him the most decorated player in United history, Giggs attaches no special significance to this weekend, other than it being another important step on what he hopes is the path to a ninth Premiership title.

"Records are not something I look at whilst I am still playing," he said.

"It is probably something I will look back on when I am finished and be proud of, but at the moment I concentrate on other things like playing well. It is a great game to be involved in. It is important for the fans that we win on Saturday."