Giggs: We need to be hungry

Ryan Giggs admits United must match Chelsea for hunger in order to retain the Barclays Premier League trophy for a third straight season.

The Reds have pipped the Blues to the title in the last two seasons and, having endured barren years himself with United, Giggs is well aware of the galvanising effect such silverware starvation can have.

"They didn't win the Premier League last year," Ryan told Sky Sports News.

"I've been in that position where you've not won it. You're hungry and determined, and you want to win it, simple as that.

"We've got to match their determination, their hunger and their desire. We've got players at the club who've tasted success over the last couple of years and want more."

Chelsea made a flying start to the new campaign by crushing Portsmouth at Stamford Bridge, while an injury-hit United side were held at home by Newcastle.

Giggs isn't too perturbed to be trailing Luiz Felipe Scolari's side so early on, however, and feels that the signing of a new striker would further enhance United's chances of completing a Premier League hat-trick.

"We're all disappointed we didn't win as every team wants to get off to a winning start, but we did okay," he said. "Obviously, Carlos was not there on Sunday, which was disappointing, and Wayne missed a bit of pre-season.

"He would have liked a few more games under his belt, while Fraizer is a young lad. Ideally you want four or five strikers, but we haven't got that.

"I think we're always getting linked with players, especially when you don't win the first game, and you've got a couple of strikers injured or missing."