Ryan Giggs left Villa Park on crutches with an ankle injury, but the accolade of `genius' from manager Alex Ferguson ringing in his ears after his extraordinary goal knocked holders Arsenal out of the FA Cup.

Substitute Giggs struck with an explosive shot beyond Arsenal's England goalkeeper David Seaman 18 minutes into extra time after a devastating run which left four Arsenal defenders trailing.

"It was a goal of genius," said Ferguson, "as good as John Barnes' for England against Brazil and Ricky Villa for Spurs in the Cup final against Manchester City. But in the context of a game like this I would have to say it stands alone."

"It was an incredible goal and an incredible night - just fantastic. When you win like that no matter what you're involved in the future you never forget it."

Ferguson said he had no complaints about the sending-off of Roy Keane. "We knew right away it was rash tackle. He (Keane) walked away right away."

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was understandably downhearted. "It is not easy to take a defeat, but what you can demand of a team is they give everything. I am very sad today because it was not our night and we were unlucky. That's football.

"The two teams are very close to each other. There's no reproach. I would just like to congratulate Manchester United. They were fantastic."