Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson feels Ryan Giggs' achievements are greater than AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

Ferguson feels there is a subtle difference that has to be taken into account when analysing the respective merits of two brilliant players.

"Obviously Maldini was a magnificent player but there is a distinction," said the United boss.

"Maldini was a defender and although in his case, he probably put in a lot of running as a full-back, wide (midfield) players have more work to do.

"It is amazing really. If you go back to Moscow, you are talking almost another 150 games further on.

"He keeps defying age. This season he has just been the same as he was back in Moscow. There is nothing changed from his performance level then as it is today."