Man United may have lost their opening EPL fixture of the season, but Ryan Giggs believes the arrival of Robin van Persie has sent a message to their rivals ahead of the Dutchman's home debut against Fulham.
Van Persie had little time to impress when he made his first appearance for United as a second half substitute in the 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park on Monday.
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But Giggs is confident the Netherlands striker, signed from Arsenal in a 24 million pound deal last week, will have a significant impact on the title race this season.
And the United midfielder believes van Persie’s capture shows boss Alex Ferguson is determined to do whatever it takes to dethrone champions Manchester City.
“It sends out a big message. And it’s great when a player comes out and says he wants to come to the club as well. I’m biased but players should want to come to United,” Giggs said.
“You’re always guaranteed to be up there challenging for trophies, there’s a great team spirit, top facilities and you get to play for a great manager. There are so many plus points.”
Giggs has been playing for United for more than two decades but he maintains that he has never been more excited about a new campaign. He admits the way United were beaten to the title - they lost on goal difference to City after their rivals scored twice in stoppage-time on the final day of the season - has given Ferguson’s team even greater motivation.
“It wasn’t a nice feeling to lose the title last season. It never is. It was the manner in which we lost it which was tough to take. I’m sure if we put that much effort in again and get that little bit of luck then we’ll go that extra step. I’m more excited than ever about the season. I can’t wait for it all to unfold,” said Giggs.u00a0