Giggs wants to see Rashford start up front against Arsenal

Ryan Giggs has urged Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho to play Marcus Rashford in a central striking role against Arsenal.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended for the visit of Arsene Wenger's side to Old Trafford, which leaves a door open for the 18-year-old Mancunian to start up front instead of the wide role he has occupied since the 35-year-old Swede joined the Reds in the summer.

Giggs was assistant to former boss Louis van Gaal last season when academy product Rashford was promoted to the first team.

The youngsters signalled his intent with two goals on his Premier League debut as a central striker against Arsenal at home last February in a 3-2 win.

But Ibrahimovic has proved an obstacle for Rashford and Giggs said: “I would like to see Marcus start up front.

“He is a fantastic talent. There has been a slight problem with having Ibrahimovic there obviously. I am a big fan of Zlatan and his goals because I have felt we have lacked goals and characters over the last few years and he brings that.

“But it has been a little bit difficult because of Marcus not playing in his favourite position. But, hopefully, we will get to see him there (against Arsenal)."

Arsenal haven't lost in the league since the opening day of the season and are currently in fourth spot and six points ahead of United.

Giggs believes a win for United could spark a run up the table but acknowledges these are different days for his beloved Reds..

“It is a bigger game for United because Arsenal are higher up in the league but hopefully it can set United's season up. Win a game like this and it can do that,” he added.

“It's about consistency really. We got off to such a good start and then hit a bit of a tricky patch and then after that, especially with Liverpool doing well and now Chelsea doing well and City getting off to a great start, you feel like we are always chasing it.

“But we are not far away. We are not far away at all. Patience is required. Get behind the team. There is a lot of quality in the squad. You have to get behind them.

"It is frustrating when you lose games or draw matches that you are used to winning but it is a different time now. People need to be patient.”

Giggs was talking at Hospitality Action's Sporting Legends Luncheon at Hotel Football in Manchester.

Hospitality Action is the trade charity for the hospitality industry, offering vital assistance to all who work or have worked within hospitality in the UK, and who find themselves in crisis.