VAN PERSIE STATEMENT WAS AWESOME-GIGGS

Ryan Giggs believes the arrival of striker Robin van Persie at Manchester United sends out a big message to the club’s rivals.

Netherlands striker Van Persie joined United from Arsenal in a deal potentially worth as much as £24m pounds, and made his debut as a substitute in a 1-0 defeat at Everton on Monday.

After Van Persie claimed his heart was set on signing for United despite interest from Manchester City and Juventus, Giggs was delighted to see the club acquire a player so keen to play for the 19-time league champions.

“It (the Van Persie signing) sends out a big message,” Giggs told the club’s website.

“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 because 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.”

United loss at Goodison Park was a disappointing start to the new campaign but according to Giggs, the team’s attention has already turned the club’s first home match of the season against Fulham on Saturday.

“Your first home game is the one that the fans are always excited about,” Giggs said.

“They want to see the team again and the new players.

“I’m more excited than ever about the season. You appreciate and try to enjoy things a lot more as your career comes towards the end and I’m no different. I can’t wait for it all to unfold.

“It wasn’t a nice feeling to lose the title last season – it never is, but it was the manner in which we lost it which was tough to take,” he said, referring to Manchester City’s triumph by goal difference on the last day of the 2011/12 campaign.

“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.”