SIR Alex Ferguson has acknowledged that Ryan Giggs has set footballing records that will never be matched.

The evergreen Manchester United midfielder will be making his 900th appearance if he plays some part in tonight's Europa League last-32 encounter with Ajax at Old Trafford.

He has played 140 times for the Red Devils since matching Sir Bobby Charlton's previous club record in the 2008 Champions League final win over Chelsea in Moscow.

Ferguson said: "It is my personal view, and not everyone will agree with me because we all have our favourites, that even if you take away the longevity, being in the Premier League for as long as he has, achieving what he has; no other player will do it."

Wayne Rooney will miss tonight's against Ajax due to a sore throat.

Meanwhile, under-fire Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas should learn from Ferguson's handling of his senior players, according to former Blues assistant boss Ray Wilkins. Villas-Boas axed England internationals Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole for Tuesday night's 3-1 Champions League defeat at Napoli.

Former Ranger Wilkins thinks Ferguson's management of established stars such as Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs and Rio Ferdinand while bringing through younger players is an example AVB should follow. He said: "You see how well Sir Alex manages the likes of Scholes and Giggs and Ferdinand, not only the playing time but as human beings.

"If Andre is asking for players' opinions, then he shouldn't be too shocked when the opinion comes back because they are very powerful and very strong personalities, these guys he's dealing with."