Giggs: United´s signings can fire in Europe

19 September 2012 14:56

Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs said Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa will prove their value to the club in the Champions League.

Van Persie scored five goals in eight games in the competition last season as Arsenal reached the quarter-final stage.

Kagawa is less experienced in Europe's premier competition but did play six times last season as Borussia Dortmund were knocked out of the competition in the group stage, and Giggs said his quality on and off the ball will stand him in good stead.

"Robin has the experience of playing in Europe with Arsenal," Giggs told reporters.

"The goals he has got will hopefully give us that extra edge this season.

"Shinji Kagawa is that kind of player who will thrive in Europe, where possession is key. He keeps the ball and gets into positions where he is hard to pick up.

"I am sure they will both be very good additions in Europe for us."

United were bundled out of the group stage last season, after falling to defeat away at Basel in their final group match.

Giggs highlighted the Red Devils' home form prior to that game as costly, with Sir Alex Ferguson's team dropping points against both the Swiss side and Benfica.

"We need to win our home games," he said.

"Usually 10 or more points gets you through, which means winning at home and trying to draw away.

"We didn't manage it last year because we didn't perform at Old Trafford the way we have done in the past."