Manchester United assistant manager Ryan Giggs has highlighted the importance of pre-season summer tours for young players.

The Red Devils are set to embark on a summer tour of the US and manager Louis van Gaal has promised to give a number of junior players opportunities to impress which resonates well with Giggs.

The United legend told manutd.com: "Young players might come on tour thinking they'll not get many minutes but then suddenly there'll be an injury to a senior player.

"The young player might then have a 10 or 15-minute cameo, play really well, get into the team for the next game and do really well again.

"So the tour is definitely an important stage for the young players to make their mark.

"I think you've seen a lot of players play well in pre-season and take that into the first part of the season.

"'It's a massive thing as an individual to get the best out of yourself.

"If you can get off to a good start it gives you confidence so you definitely can't take the pre-season games lightly.

"Gone are the days when you'd play easy games - every match is tough."

United meet Mexican side Club America in Seattle on July 17, San Jose Earthquakes at the Avaya Stadium on July 21, Barcelona in Santa Clara on July 25 and Paris Saint-Germain in Chicago on July 29 as part of the 2015 International Champions Cup.