Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that the 39-year-old will reach the landmark by featuring in the midweek Champions League clash with the Spaniards at Old Trafford

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed that Ryan Giggs is set to make his 1000th appearance for the club against Real Madrid on Tuesday.

After resting Giggs for the comfortable 4-0 win over Norwich on Saturday, Ferguson revealed that the Welshman will reach his impending milestone in midweek.

And the Scot explained that he felt the game against Jose Mourinho’s side would be a fitting occasion to do so.

“[Giggs] will be involved on Tuesday. We couldn’t miss that moment for the lad. He deserves it,” he told MUTV.

Former United midfielder Ray Wilkins was also eager to lavish praise upon the 39-year-old, describing him as a “credit” to football.

“He’s up there with anybody in the club’s history, you can’t play 1000 games unless you are the business, there’s no two ways about it, Ryan over his career has been absolutely outstanding,” he told reporters.

“He still has that same attitude, that same enthusiasm for the game and it’s just lovely to watch him play. I think the guy has been a credit to our football, I really do. To stay at a club like Manchester United for that period of time is just incredible.”