Manchester United assistant boss Ryan Giggs says there are “a lot of similarities” between current manager Louis van Gaal and former boss Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferguson won 38 trophies, including 13 league titles and one Champions League crown, during a 26-year stint as United manager, before calling time on his career in 2013.

Van Gaal replaced David Moyes as United boss during the summer after overseeing the Netherlands’ World Cup campaign and Giggs has paid tribute to the Dutchman.

United have failed to keep up with current pacesetters Chelsea in the Premier League this term but they do sit fourth in the table as they target a return to the Champions League after missing out last term, and Giggs is convinced Van Gaal will be a success as manager.

He told the BBC: “He demands that in every training session. He wants the same intensity as if it was a game.

“There are a lot of similarities to Sir Alex. He sets standards and if you drop below them he is not happy.

United have been handed a boost this week as on-loan striker Radamel Falcao has confirmed he has returned to training after missing four games with a calf injury.

The Colombian may be able to make a return to the bench when United host Hull on Saturday, with the visit of Stoke on December 2 and the trip to Southampton on December 8 other potential return dates.

United secured a vital 2-1 win at Arsenal in the last round of fixtures and they are 1.32 to beat Hull on Saturday.

The Tigers are 8.51 to secure victory at Old Trafford and a draw is available at 5.13.