The Welsh winger marked his record-equalling 758th game for the club by grabbing a crucial second goal 10 minutes from time after stepping off the bench.

Cristiano Ronaldo made the breakthrough in the 33rd minute from the penalty spot with his 41st goal of a remarkable campaign.

But Wigan made a brave fight of it and Giggs, who drew level on United appearances with Sir Bobby Charlton, secured the victory with a cool finish.

Ferguson said: "It is fantastic for Ryan to get the goal that matters. Maybe it is fate.

"He deserves it. I have known him for 20 years and he has been a credit to the game.
"For him to equal the record, then to get the goal that wins the title, is just fantastic."

Giggs insists winning trophies is what motivates him and United have a Champions League final against Chelsea on May 21 to look forward to.

He said: "It was a great goal to settle us down – it gave us a two-goal
cushion.

"I said before the game I am not bothered about records. This is what it is about – championships and trophies. I hope we can win another one in 10 days' time."

Chelsea could only manage a 1-1 draw against Bolton at Stamford Bridge and Ferguson was quick to remind them who has the psychological advantage ahead of the Champions League showdown.

"If we had lost the title today, it would have been a great knock, but the great thing is we are bouncing into the final," he said.