Giggs wary of Liverpool

United's title success last season was its 19th, eclipsing Liverpool's long-standing record.

The Old Trafford club had trailed by 11 when Liverpool won its 18th league crown in 1990 and veteran Giggs now wants to build a big lead over the Merseysiders.

United is contention to win the Premier League yet again - it currently trailsl leader Manchester City by just two points - but Giggs is bracing himself for a tight home battle with Liverpool on Saturday evening (AEDT).

The 38-year-old told Inside United: "They're a club similar to us with massive history.

"We're the two most successful teams in the country, so we know we've got to perform and play well to get anything from any game against them.

"We know we're in for a tough game. It's the club we tried to catch for so long and now we've caught them the challenge is to stay ahead."

The champion is facing a stern test of its credentials in February.

Saturday's game comes after Sir Alex Ferguson's men needed to battle back from 3-0 down to claim a draw at Chelsea last week.

United must also travel to third-placed Tottenham before the end of the month.

Giggs said: "We know it's a tough run of games but these are the games you want to be playing in.

"We're not quite at the make-or-break part of the season, but it's an important time and we know that if we win these games then we'll be in good shape going into the run-in."

United midfielder Tom Cleverley is thought to be close to returning to action and, it has been reported, could even be in contention to face Liverpool.

The 22-year-old has been out since October with an ankle injury.