Giggs: Robin brings more than goals

Ryan Giggs has hailed the impact made by Robin van Persie this season, not just on the goalscoring front, but on the creation of opportunities too.

Not only is the Dutchman top of the Reds scoring charts this terms with nine goals, he has been the provider for many of United's strikes from set-pieces.

Giggs says having a player of van Persie's quality has boosted the whole squad and he hopes the striker can maintain his good form in the coming weeks.

"When a ready-made, world-class player comes into the team it gives everybody a lift," Giggs told ManUtd.com and PA Sport.

"We’re like the supporters – we look forward to playing with and seeing quality players come into the team. Robin is certainly that – he’s proven that with his goals and all-round play since he’s come to the club.

"Robin’s set-piece delivery has been really important to us. It’s a big plus this season that we’re scoring from set-pieces and corners. That’s something we haven’t done over the last few years as often as we’d have liked.

"So with Robin it’s not just goals you get. He’s helped add more goals to the scoresheet and helped a few different names get on there."

The Reds will be hoping to maintain their impressive goalscoring form against van Persie's former side Arsenal on Saturday, although Giggs insists staging a repeat of last season's 8-2 victory will be near impossible.

"I think that was one of those fluke performances," said the 38-year-old. "We always expect a tough performance against Arsenal, both home and away. It’s no different this time.

"They got off to a really good start. They’ve stuttered a little in recent weeks but they have plenty of quality."