Ryan Giggs claims Manchester United are determined to make amends to their shellshocked fans by winning a record-equalling 18th title.
He understands just how badly the supporters are hurting after the 4-1 humiliation by Liverpool at Old Trafford.
And he knows the players can turn that agony into ecstasy by holding off any surge from Rafa Benitez's side or Chelsea to claim the Premier League crown - particularly as that would mean they had been champions as many times as their bitter rivals on Merseyside.
"A lot has been made of the chance we have to match Liverpool on 18 league titles," said Giggs." Obviously that would be brilliant because 15 years ago I don't think anybody would even have dreamed that would have been possible.
"I think it probably means a lot more to the fans than us. As players you want to win trophies. Sure, it would be brilliant if we do match them, but that's not our motivation.
"You only look back on records when you finish your career.
"While you're in the middle of winning things or trying to win things, you don't think about stuff like that.
"But we know how important it is for the fans and it would be nice to win for them. We know how happy it would make them."
United's crushing defeat by Liverpool breathed new life into the title race just as Sir Alex Ferguson's men were threatening to turn it into a procession.
United are still in the box seat with a four-point lead and a game in hand, but Giggs knows from his unrivalled experience of battling to 10 Premier League titles that they have plenty of hard work to do.
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He believes they must keep calm, knowing each win for United will dishearten Liverpool and Chelsea.
"It's certainly not over," said the midfielder.
"We've had a reminder of that and any little hiccup we have will encourage the sides behind us.
"But on the other side, every time we win we're another game nearer to another trophy and it is one less fixture for our rivals.
"We know how strong Liverpool are and they have quality all over the pitch. I don't think there is any doubt their current side is stronger than previous ones. But we've just got to concentrate on what we do."
Giggs, 35, is already football's most decorated player and will collect a record 11th winner's medal if United successfully defend their title.
Nothing for him will top getting his hands on the Premier League trophy in May 1993, United's first since 196, but doing so again at the end of this season would still be sweet.
"It's probably hard to match the first one purely because I grew up as a United fan and knew how long it had been since the club had won the title," he said.
"Now I want to savour every trophy because I know it could be the last one I win."
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