Ryan Giggs has revealed that he feared for his Manchester United future after enduring a rough patch during the 2002/03 campaign.
Giggs is widely regarded as one of the finest players of his generation and enjoyed a glittering spell at United which included 13 Premier League titles and two Champions League crowns.
But his heyday under Sir Alex Ferguson wasn't without its tough spells, and Giggs himself has admitted one that stands out is the 02/03 season.
Indeed, David Beckham's high-profile switch to Real Madrid at the end of that season, following a falling out with Ferguson, made Giggs question his future at Old Trafford.
When asked whether he ever had the chance to leave United, Giggs told the MUTV podcast: "No, no. In 2002-03, I didn’t get off to a good start.
"It was when Becks [David Beckham] left, at the end of the season. I felt that was the time when I felt: yeah, maybe the manager could get rid of me."
Giggs infamously missed two gilt-edged chances in the FA Cup exit to Arsenal, a defeat which ended with Beckham being caught by a boot kicked in anger by Ferguson.
The Wales legend bounced back from that disappointment to scoring a brace in the Champions League win over Juventus two weeks later - and his celebration screamed of relief.
"Yeah, it was a bit of that," Giggs added. "To be honest, I wasn’t playing well and it was in the middle of that transition from playing winger to coming inside to a midfield position.
"So I was still trying to find how I could be most effective."
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