Ryan Giggs has warned the Manchester United squad that a fast start to the season is required if they are to pose a genuine threat to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal for the Premier League title.
One win from their first five league games last season ultimately denied the Red Devils chance to claim a 21st league title and resulted with them scrapping with the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur to finish in the top four.
Giggs, who has 13 league winner’s medals to his name during illustrious playing career at Old Trafford, is well-placed to offer his thoughts on how to be crowned champions of England and says they can’t afford a repeat of how the began last year:
“The manager has said it that 13 points from the first 30 wasn’t good enough. It is hard when you start like that. You need a better start,” the United assistant manager told Manchester Evening News.
“All the challengers and rivals will be sharp and ready to go.
“That is what we have to do. You don’t have to be leading the pack at New Year but you have to be close and we certainly have to be closer than we were last season if you want to be there at the very end,” Giggs added.
Much is expected of United this season following the additions of four new players this summer as manager Louis van Gaal has once again heavily invested transfers in hopes that his side will be able to have more of a say in the title race.
In the past week, the club have completed three more signings to go alongside Memphis Depay as Matteo Darmian, Bastian Schweinsteiger and Morgan Schneiderlin were all unveiled in the space of an exciting 48 hours over the weekend [via Mail Sport].
SEE ALSO:
Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney hails the arrivals of Bastian Schweinsteiger and company
Man Utd transfer blow as French giants rule out proposed £50m swap deal
Manchester United goalkeeper nears Old Trafford exit, as representatives open talks with La Liga giants (Video)
More arrivals are expected before the transfer window slams shut on September 1 as a new central defender and striker have been linked to the club.
Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos is reportedly van Gaal’s first-choice defensive target, although that move looks unlikely due to the Spaniard being named as the club captain following the departure of legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas [via Independent Sport].
In attack it would appear it’s going to be a straight choice between Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski, who will cost in the region of £35 million according to Sky Sports and Christian Benteke, who is also attracting interest from Liverpool [via Mail Sport] but the lure of Champions League football could tempt him to Old Trafford.
United kick off the 2015-16 campaign with a home fixture against Tottenham on August 8 and will be hoping for a repeat of the corresponding fixture last season where they ran out 3-0 winners thanks to goals from Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick and Wayne Rooney.