Shoot! would like to wish former Wales international winger Ryan Giggs many happy returns as he celebrates his 44th birthday this evening.

The Manchester United legend, who has also become assistant manager and interim boss of The Red Devils since retiring in May 2014, earned 64 caps for The Dragons during his international career, but it was his unprecedented success at Old Trafford that he will be forever remembered for most.

The left sided midfielder scored 168 goals in 963 appearances in all competitions for United during his 23-year successive spell at The Theatre of Dreams, holding the all-time record for the most games played for the club.

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Join us in wishing the #MUFC legend a happy birthday today! pic.twitter.com/AvrLPSiSUb

— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2017

To reflect his astonishing achievements, Giggs has become one of the most decorated football players in history; winning 13 Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three League Cups, two UEFA Champions League crowns, the FIFA Club World Cup, the Intercontinental Cup, the UEFA Super Cup and nine FA Community Shields.

To celebrate the Welshman’s latest milestone, Shoot! is paying tribute to the United great by putting together five of Giggs’ most defining moments of his Manchester United playing Career in Pictures. Enjoy!

Debut Derby Delight

Giggs signed his first professional contract with Manchester United in December 1990, before making his first-team debut against Everton in March 1991, coming on as a substitute for the injured Denis Irwin.

But in his first full start for The Red Devils, Giggs scored his first senior goal for the club and the eventual winner against arch-rivals Manchester City in May 1991, despite it appearing to be an own goal by Colin Hendry.

Wing Wizardry

In April 1999; Giggs scored, arguably, the best goal of his career, and one of the greatest FA Cup strikes of all-time.

The Manchester United star netted a spectacular 109th minute winner in the FA Cup semi-final replay against Arsenal at Villa Park.

Giggs picked up possession after Patrick Vieria’s stray pass, before running from within his own half, past the entire Gunners back line, including Tony Adams, Lee Dixon and Martin Keown, before smashing the ball past goalkeeper David Seaman at his near top corner.

He whipped off his shirt and slung it around after sending the United fans into raptures. That strike was the last goal to ever be scored in an FA Cup semi-final replay, as from the following season, replays were scrapped. Watch below!

The Treble

Giggs scored 10 goals in all competitions during United’s famous 1998-99 season, where Manchester United won the Treble – the Premier League, the FA Cup and the UEFA Champions League.

One of the finest moments, if not the best highlight, of that spectacular campaign was The Red Devils’ remarkable comeback against Bayern Munich in stoppage time inside the Camp Nou.

Giggs set up the equalising goal scored by Teddy Sheringham in the 91st minute, before watching team mate Ole Gunnar Solskjaer net the dramatic winner in the 93rd minute. Historical!

Moscow Magic

Another fine, fine moment of Giggs’ career – his second Champions League crown with United.

On May 21, 2008, the winger broke Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time appearance record for the club after replacing fellow midfielder Paul Scholes in the 2008 Champions League final against Chelsea in Moscow.

After the game finished 1-1 after extra-time, the final went to a penalty shootout. Substitute Giggs scored United’s sixth spot kick, before watching goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar brilliantly save Nicolas Anelka’s sudden death effort to seal a 6-5 victory.

Farewell

Legend Giggs announced his retirement from professional football on May 19, 2014, with an open letter to all Manchester United fans posted on the club website.

His final competitive appearance for The Red Devils came against Hull City at Old Trafford on May 6, with United running out 3-1 winners in this Premier League clash, with Giggs replacing Tom Lawrence after 70 minutes of play.