“Shinji is that kind of player who will thrive in Europe”

Ryan Giggs is hoping the additions of Shinji Kagawa and Robin Van Persie will pay dividends as Manchester United look to rectify the mistakes made in Europe last season.

Having been placed in one of the easier groups, Manchester United finished 3rd behind FC Basel and Benfica but this time around United will hope to do much better.

The signings of Robin Van Persie and Shinji Kagawa already look to be good business with both impressing already, but Ryan Giggs believes it in Europe where they can both make the difference.

Speaking to the club’s official website, the veteran midfielder said:

“Robin has the experience of playing in Europe with Arsenal. The goals he has got will hopefully give us that extra edge this season.

“Shinji is that kind of player who will thrive in Europe, where possession is key. He keeps the ball.

“He gets into positions where he is hard to pick up. I am sure they will both be good additions.”

Last season United won just one of their home games in Europe, beating minnows Otelul Galati but Giggs believes it is a record they will need to improve on if they are to improve on last season’s showing:

“We need to win our home games and perform at home.

“We usually say 10 or more points gets you through so if you win your home games and try and draw away from home, you are usually through.

“We didn’t manage it last year and didn’t perform at Old Trafford the way we have done in the past. We want to try and rectify that.”