Red View: De Gea praise, Reading video, classic FA Cup ties + more

BOSS IGNORING DE GEA STORIES Sir Alex Ferguson insists he will not be paying attention to the press after the reaction to David De Gea's outstanding performance against Real Madrid. The Spaniard has often been criticised in the media this term – unfairly, perhaps – but has been lauded in all quarters since helping restrict Real to a single Cristiano Ronaldo goal on Wednesday night.  Given the boss never had any doubts about the youngster's quality and potential, recent tabloid speculation about a summer exit would appear to be wide of the mark, as more improvement is expected of the 22-year-old next season. "That's the journalism," Sir Alex told MUTV. "It's fickle. I wouldn't worry about that [any over-the-top praise]. It didn't worry us before so why should we worry after it? "The boy has shown that he has got terrific ability. He's got to adapt to the English game and we know there will still be some occasions where he is going to find it difficult in terms of the physical part of it. But he's getting stronger and, next year, he'll be better. "He had a fantastic night as he made three exceptional saves. Their keeper, Diego Lopez, made two, too, so it was a night when both goalkeepers excelled on the big occasion." More from Sir Alex: Real tie is in our grasp | Rafael showed his class | Patience pays off BLOG: GOLDEN GIGGS ManUtd.com's Mark Froggatt feels the ovation afforded to Ryan Giggs at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu was much deserved... As Madrid-based newspaper Marca wrote, Ryan Giggs is a "living legend who earned a well-deserved tribute when he entered in the second half. Nobody knows if the Welsh eternal will return to the Bernabeu, but do not discard it happening." Even Giggs, who has arguably seen everything throughout a trophy-laden career, was surprised to receive such a reception from a Real Madrid crowd that, at times, has chosen not to support their own team. "It took me by surprise," he admitted. "It was obviously very good - I’ll have to play here more often!" Of course, raise the topic of standing ovations and the mind wanders to Old Trafford, 2003, when the original Ronaldo, then European Footballer of the Year, left the field midway through the second half, his wrecking job accomplished, to receive a lengthy salute from almost everyone within the Theatre of Dreams. This applause was both admirable and begrudged after the Brazilian netted a devastating hat-trick to almost single-handedly knock United out of the Champions League at the quarter-final stage. However, those sentiments were prompted by his efforts during a glorious 67 minutes, whereas on Wednesday, at the Bernabeu, Giggs was heralded for an entire career. Remarkably, the United legend is three years older than Ronaldo, who at 36, has been retired for two years and is currently taking part in a weight-loss programme on Brazilian television. Fitness has never been an issue for Giggs and with his 40th birthday approaching, he remains as streamlined as the 17-year-old who debuted in 1991. Obviously, questions about when Ryan will retire are repeatedly asked but after a number of virtuoso displays recently, another year looks entirely possible. When quizzed on the topic during a recent ManUtd.com podcast, Giggs said he's yet to make a decision - but had a glint in the eye which suggested otherwise. In truth, his future at Old Trafford is unknown - but to paraphrase from Marca, you should never discard the Welsh eternal. More - De Gea storms fan poll | Trivia: Bernabeu belters | Cristiano Ronaldo: It was emotional FIFTH-ROUND ROUSERS Ahead of Manchester United's FA Cup tie against Reading on Monday night, we take a look back at some of the Reds' classic fifth-round ties under Sir Alex Ferguson. Here's our shortlist of five great games... which one was your favourite? 1990 - Newcastle (A) 3-2 On the run to Sir Alex's first trophy as United boss, a trip to Tyneside was a potential banana-skin but after Jim Smith's Magpies found equalisers for Mark Robins' header and Danny Wallace's emphatic near-post finish, the tie was settled by Brian McClair, who ended a 17-game drought with a precious winner.  1994: Wimbledon (A) 3-0 The first Double-winning team were in their pomp for this one. After Eric Cantona's moment of magic to volley past Hans Segers and Paul Ince's header to make it 2-0, a spell of 'Olé' football paved the way for Denis Irwin to jink through and claim a marvellous team goal. 1996: Manchester City (H) 2-1 This cup derby was going City's way when Uwe Rosler chipped Peter Schmeichel. But United ultimately stayed on course for another Double after Eric Cantona converted a disputed penalty and Lee Sharpe volleyed Phil Neville's cross past Eike Immel. 2004: Manchester City (H) 4-2 Ahead through Paul Scholes, the Reds were reduced to 10 men when Gary Neville was sent off. A quickfire double from Ruud van Nistelrooy and Cristiano Ronaldo then put the Reds 3-0 up and although Michael Tarnat pulled one back, Ruud's second goal ensured Robbie Fowler's late strike was largely irrelevant. 2008: Arsenal (H) 4-0 The Gunners were outclassed in a one-sided romp that was effectively over before half time with Wayne Rooney, Darren Fletcher and Nani all finding the net and Emmanuel Eboue seeing red. Fletcher headed a fourth goal after the break but the margin of victory could - and perhaps should - have been even greater. Vote for Sir Alex's best FA Cup fifth-round tie at manutd.com/polls. More - Podcast - From Real to Reading | Reds to rotate against Royals     This email was sent by: Manchester United Sir Matt Busby Way Old Trafford, Manchester, M16 0RA, United Kingdom. This email is designed to be viewed in HTML email clients - if you cannot see the images above, please open an HTML-compatible email account and then register the new address with ManUtd.com. If this email has been forwarded to you by a friend, please  register with ManUtd.com to receive the Red View newsletter directly in future. The articles and images in this newsletter do not necessarily represent the views of Manchester United FC. If you do not wish to receive this email please send a blank email from your subscription address to unsubscribe@manutd.co.uk. We are committed to respecting your privacy. Please see our Privacy Policy. Please DO NOT reply to this email.