Ryan Giggs has declared he is prepared to fight for his
place at Manchester United in the face of increasing squad
competition.
The champions have spent big during the summer as they look to
bolster a side that is capable of defending their Premier League
crown.
Sir Alex Ferguson has brought in Nani and Anderson, which will
heighten competition for attacking midfield roles, but Giggs says
he would not have been dropping his performance levels regardless
of any new Old Trafford arrivals.
"The Premier League gets tougher every year and Manchester United
cannot afford to stand still," said Giggs, who is currently 43
behind Sir Bobby Charlton's record of 759 United appearances.
"Whether the manager signed anyone or not, the challenge is still
there.
"You have to perform to your best, otherwise you won't play. That
goes for everyone.
"We are all hopeful of being in the team but the only way to
achieve that is by doing well."
United won their title, the ninth in Giggs' time at the club, in
eye-catching attacking style and the Welshman is hopeful that the
new editions to the squad will see standards improve.
"The players we have signed in forward positions particularly are
young and can make a contribution now and in the future," said
Giggs.
"Last year, we showed what a great attacking team we were and now
we have these additional options, hopefully we can improve even
more."
United are currently on a four-match tour of Asia and, in the
absence of the injured Gary Neville, Giggs is set to lead his side
in the tour opener against Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama on
Tuesday.
Owen Hargreaves did not take a full part in United's first training
session of the tour due to a minor injury and is a possible doubt
for the Urawa fixture, while Ferguson has also confirmed that Nani
is unlikely to feature.