Giggs sends out early warning

Ryan Giggs has sent out a warning to Manchester United’s Premiership rivals as the former champions begin preparing to try and recapture their crown.

United failed in their bid to become the first team to win four straight titles when slipping to third place behind Arsenal and Liverpool last season.

And Alex Ferguson’s side finished the campaign without adding to their already bulging trophy cabinet after crashing out at the semi-finals stage in the Champions League.

Many people, including several key figures inside Old Trafford, questioned whether United’s players had lost their hunger for success.

The challenge now is to prove that they have learnt from last season’s mistakes, and Giggs is well aware of what is at stake.

He told The Sun: "I always felt last season would be very hard, even though we had won the previous two titles relatively easily, because of the strides teams like Liverpool and Arsenal had made.

"Even so, it was very tough not to come away with anything. We realised we had let ourselves down badly.

"Everyone knows there are always little blips in form. That is accepted. But if that will to win goes, you are letting yourself and your mates down.

"The manager is always looking for that desire. As soon as he sees it going from players, they are usually moved on.

"That’s why you very rarely see players leaving United when they are on the top of their form or at the peak of their careers.

"We have big games every week, alongside some of the outstanding players in the world, and it has to bring the best out of you.

"All the players here want to be winning trophies and no one wants to be in the United team that slips.

"It’s like Liverpool in the 80s or when Wigan were dominating everything in rugby league.

"You know everyone wants to beat you, the players and the managers. It’s a clear challenge for us.

"People have reminded us that the last time we didn’t win a trophy, we finished the following season with the Treble.

"That is all well and good but I think it will be just as hard next season - and you can be certain that the desire will be there from every one of us."