Ryan Giggs has challenged United's stars to enjoy the double-header challenge

Ryan Giggs has challenged Manchester United's under-pressure stars to enjoy their do-or-die showdowns with Liverpool and Manchester City.

United must come from 2-0 down against Liverpool at Old Trafford on Thursday to make the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

And Giggs admits the Reds' Premier League top-four hopes hinge on winning the derby on Sunday.

"If we win on Sunday, then we have a great chance of reaching that top four," Giggs told BBC Radio Manchester .

"If we don't, then it will be very difficult for us."

United are in sixth place, two points behind fourth-placed West Ham and four off City, who occupy the final Champions League place in fourth.

"It's a challenge," Giggs added. "You're going to your neighbours, you're going to your local rivals. You're a good team and you're trying to win and trying to get further up the table."

Despite their recent travails, and with only one win in their last four games, Giggs says United should relish the clashes with their two biggest rivals.

"If I was playing, I'd be looking forward to this week," he said. "Two brilliant games - Liverpool at home and then City away.

"It's a brilliant week to look forward to."