Ryan Giggs believes the signings of Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa could be crucial to Manchester United’s chances of success in Europe, ITV.com reports.

Both players have a good deal of experience in the Champions League, especially Van Persie, who has appeared in the competition in each of the last eight seasons for Arsenal.

Kagawa has also played in the competition for Borussia Dortmund and Giggs believes he can only enhance United’s chances.

"Shinji is that kind of player who will thrive in Europe, where possession is key.

"He keeps the ball and gets into positions where he is hard to pick up.”

The 23-year-old has adjusted well to life at Old Trafford, scoring on his home debut against Fulham and providing a much-needed link between midfield and attack which has been missing from the United side in recent times.

Meanwhile, Giggs also believes the goals of Van Persie will give the Red Devils a greater hope in the competition.

“Robin has the experience of playing in Europe with Arsenal.

“The goals he has got will hopefully give us that extra edge this season”, he added.

United will also be helped by the fact that key players are returning to the side, as Patrice Evra has sufficiently recovered from a knock picked up while on international duty to be considered for tomorrow’s game against Galatasaray.

But the Reds must be on their guard against complacency, with Giggs admitting the team must perform better this season- particularly at home.

“We need to win our home games.

"We didn't manage it last year because we didn't perform at Old Trafford the way we have done in the past", he claimed.