Ryan Giggs has likened Cristiano Ronaldo's remarkable scoring sequence this season for Manchester United to that of a "a brilliant centre forward", never mind a winger.

And Portugal international Ronaldo has the chance to improve on his 30-goal tally on Saturday when title-chasers United face struggling Derby at Pride Park.

Giggs said: "Cristiano's form, not just this season but the last two, has been unbelievable.

"To top that off his goalscoring record is one of a brilliant centre forward.

"Hopefully his form and goalscoring form will continue. It is great to have it.

"We have always had a good mix of players at this club who can score.

"Cristiano's all-round game has been brilliant. He attracts two or three players most of the time and that makes space for others."

Giggs could return to the side after a four-match absence as United look to recover from the FA Cup defeat by Portsmouth last weekend.

But the former Wales captain knows there is no need to rush back because of the strength of the squad.

He said: "We had only 11 or 12 players to choose from this time last season, so sometimes you had to play with little niggles.

"But it is completely different this year as we have a lot of players fit.

"We have two players for every positions, so if you have a small injury or are a bit tired the manager can change things around."

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson could, meanwhile, hand goalkeeper Ben Foster his debut as Edwin van der Sar has a groin problem and Tomasz Kuszczak is suspended.

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