• Premier League

United must show they are back among top clubs, says Giggs

Ryan Giggs said he is gaining invaluable experience working alongside Louis van Gaal © Getty Images

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Ryan Giggs says the moment has arrived for a revamped Manchester United to show they can mix it with England's elite clubs once again.

Radamel Falcao, Daley Blind and Angel Di Maria are among those added to the United squad since Louis van Gaal's arrival at the club and his assistant Giggs hopes the star names will transform the team's fortunes against the Premier League's big-hitters.

United have yet to face a side that finished in the top four last season, but games against league leaders Chelsea and reigning champions Manchester City will be on their agenda following this weekend's trip to face West Brom.

"These are the games you want to be involved in and play in and they will be a test," Giggs said. "Chelsea have probably been the standout team so far, with City just behind them and we want to be up there testing ourselves against those teams. We feel that we do belong up there but we perhaps haven't shown it consistently this season.

"We've shown glimpses over the last few weeks and hopefully we'll have a lot of players coming back for those games. The form has slowly begun to get better and better and we want to hit form going into those matches."

Giggs also claimed his coaching credentials will be bolstered by working alongside Van Gaal at Old Trafford this season, as he looks to his future and a possible move into management.

"It's a great experience for me to work under such a top manager who has such a good track record," Giggs added. "I'm really enjoying it and the manager has been really good with me.

"I'm doing as much as I can to make sure we're in form and ready for each game. A lot of work goes into that and we're slowly seeing the benefits of it."

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