Ryan Giggs was among the Manchester United squad that lifted the now-defunct Intercontinental Cup back in 1999, when they defeated South American champions Palmeiras.

And the veteran winger told The Sun: “It has been the toughest competition to win. “Just to get to the final we first had to qualify for the Champions League, which is tough. Then you have got to win it, which is even more difficult. “And then we had to beat the champions of South America, who had achieved everything we had achieved.

“I have got good memories of the game. In parts, Palmeiras were the better team but we managed to get the goal and it was a great feeling because the club had never won it before. “Prior to the game, the manager reminded us of that and so we were all focused on winning it, just as we are today.”

United are currently in Japan preparing for their Club World Cup semi-final against Gamba Osaka, who were crowned champions of Asia last month after dowing Adelaide United in the ACL final.Giggs believes the competition is an even more daunting prospect nowadays, and he is determined to triumph in the Far East and add another medal to his already vast collection.

He said: “It’s a bigger competition now. In the past it was just Europe against South America but, now, every continent is involved. “It would be very special to be crowned champions of the world. Obviously, there are two games to play this time, so it’s going to be even tougher. “But it would be great if we did win.”