Manchester United's most decorated player Ryan Giggs believes the Barclays Premier League is tougher than ever - but he is relishing the challenge.

The champions are aiming to bounce back, after losing to Liverpool, when they face Blackburn at Old Trafford on Saturday.

Giggs, who has picked up 11 title winner's medals, is determined to add to his tally.

He said: "You try to concentrate on your own form but you have a little look as to who is round about you.

"There have been some strange results. The top six or eight are separated by only a few points.

"It is going to be closer, because the quality has gone up. Any team can beat anyone, and you have to perform all the way throughout the season.

"It is great for us, the more teams that are competing. We can handle that. For the neutrals, it is brilliant.

"It is why the Premiership is the most exciting league in the world - because of the quality in it and the atmosphere it brings. That has certainly been the way this season."

Giggs is still hurting after the defeat by Liverpool, which left United trailing Chelsea at the top of the table.

But a Carling Cup victory against Barnsley in midweek lifted some of the gloom over Old Trafford.

Giggs said: "We just didn't turn up. That is one game you don't want to lose, against Liverpool at Anfield.

"We could still have won the match, because we had some chances. But whoever scores the first goal, it is very difficult to claw that lead back. It was disappointing we did not perform as well as we can.

"But we had a good win against Barnsley. Now we want to get back on track in the league."

Even though Blackburn were thrashed 5-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, Giggs is not expecting an easy ride.

He added: "With Sam Allardyce as manager, you know they are going to be tough and will be organised. You know you have got to perform.

"You look to win all your home games, because you know any away game in the league is difficult. You don't want to be dropping silly points at home."