Giggs turned out for the 899th time in Saturday's stormy Premier League encounter with Liverpool.
As United's next two games are in the Europa League, when they take on Ajax in a last 32 clash, there must be some doubt over when the Welshman will achieve the feat.
However, whenever it is, Irwin feels Giggs will go down as one of the very best the Old Trafford club has ever had.
"It is incredible really that he is still as sharp and as driven as he is," said Irwin.
"To make 900 appearances for a club like this, to stay at the top of his game and to change it as well is unbelievable.
"Everyone knew him as an out-and-out winger. To change his thought process on a football field is testament to how good a player he is."
Irwin arrived at Old Trafford in 1990, in the wake of the club's FA Cup final triumph over Crystal Palace.
Within two years, the pair were winning a trophy together when United overcame Nottingham Forest in the League Cup final.
"We all knew about him," said Irwin. "He was one of these kids who was seven stone wet through.
"He is not far off now. He could run like the wind and he had such great ability and skill.
"He played on the left wing in front of me for 10 years and the best thing about him was that he could do his defensive duties as well.
"He never shirked that responsibility and still doesn't now."
As someone who carried on playing until he was 38 and is now involved in the media, Irwin can offer some firm advice about which is the better method of earning a living.
It is why the Irishman was so happy to discover Giggs was going to play on for another year.
"He looks sharp enough when he plays and I don't see a problem," he said.
"You should play as long as you can, especially at this level. And especially here."
How long will Giggs carry on for? Have your say.
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Yoga and the F-plan diet appear to be working wonders don't they!
"Everyone knew him as an out-and-out winger. To change his thought process on a football field is testament to how good a player he is."
Without taking absolutely anything away from our legendary Ryan, he's still at his best when he drifts out wide and puts in those delightful crosses. Looking forward to his th and I wouldn't put it past him to score on the day to celebrate. Hope so.
Legend and all time great but Fergie please do not play him wide left anymore because he stunk the pitch out against Liverpool .
Ryan, you are the best!
He is one of the best ever but facts are facts.... much of his passing was abhorrent.
When he's good, he's brilliant. When he's not he's awful. Doesn't seem to have that in between game. Unfortunately I think the good has been (particularly in the latter years) only one game in 6-8 games.
Ryan has never been a great passer. Had he been, he would surely be ranked among the very best ever in the world. Let's not take anything away from him though. He's still a very very good dribbler and crosser. However, what amazes me really is the amount of running he still puts in match in and match out. He's full of energy and above all he works selfishly for the team up till the final whistle. Just like Scholes, he deserves a contract extension but SAF must be very careful in his selection lest he discourages the young guys knocking on the first team door, like Pogba.
That's like playing a game everyday for almost 3 years. Say what!!! That's really true but hard to believe, there again it's hard to believe Giggsy is still so good and still so vital to United, it's all true, Giggs is superman.
Up the Reds!