Manchester United news: Ryan Giggs picks ‘genius’ Lionel Messi over former teammate Cristiano Ronaldo

The Wales manager described the Barcelona talisman as a ‘once-in-a-lifetime player’

Ryan Giggs has revealed that he believes Lionel Messi is a better player than Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Wales manager played with Ronaldo at Manchester United. But Giggs thinks Messi is superior to the Portuguese forward.

“Obviously I lean towards Ronaldo a little bit because I played with him and saw him develop as a player,” the 45-year-old told DAZN. “But Messi is a genius, he’s a once in a lifetime player. It’s as simple as that.”

Ronaldo spent six years at Old Trafford with Giggs, and recently scored his 700th career goal.

He is likely to surpass Ali Daei as the top international goalscorer of all-time.

Both Messi and Ronaldo have won five Ballon d’Or’s, the prize awarded annually to the world’s best male player.

Wales manager Giggs also commented on Gareth Bale, another former colleague of Ronaldo’s.

The winger endured a summer of tumult, with Bale seemingly close to a move away from Real Madrid for much of the transfer window before eventually staying at the Bernabeu.

Giggs praised Bale’s attitude.

“It’s strange. From the outside, it looks strange,” he said. “For the quality he possesses and what he’s won there: four Champions Leagues.

“I’m his coach for Wales, he’s recently been my captain, and is a good professional.

“He’s a player that can turn a game on its head like he did against Liverpool for [Real] Madrid.”