Manchester United winger Ryan Giggs can break Bobby Charlton's appearance record for the club, manager Alex Ferguson said yesterday.

Giggs will make his 688th appearance for United in today's derby against Manchester City, putting the 33-year-old Wales international in joint second place on United's all-time list alongside defender Bill Foulkes.

Charlton, who like Foulkes played in the 1968 European Cup final victory over Benfica at Wembley, played 759 games for the club.

"I think it's a realistic target, with Ryan's physique," Ferguson said.

"He's in great physical shape. He looks after himself, does not carry any weight and there's no reason why he can't play for another two or three years."

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