RYAN GIGGS has told Manchester United's youngsters they might never get a better chance to make the grade at Old Trafford than under Louis van Gaal.

The Dutchman has brought seven youth team players to the USA - Ben Amos, Sam Johnstone, Reece James, Tyler Blackett, Jesse Lingard and twins Michael and Will Keane.

Van Gaal has been reluctant to talk about which academy graduates are in line to play a part in the first-team squad this season, insisting he needs time to assess his players.

But Giggs has told the younger players the 62-year-old boss's appointment has given them a golden opportunity to break through.

He pointed to the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich coach's track record as the reason why.

Giggs said: "It's his philosophy to play young players. He gave Xavi, Iniesta, Thomas Muller, Patrick Kluivert and Clarence Seedorf their break. He develops young players and gives them a chance.

"I think he's been impressed by the quality of our young players. It's a chance for them. I always say if you get a chance to play for Manchester United you have to take it.

"That's what I did and a lot of others have done."

Giggs believes it's not just a chance for players to break into the first-team squad.

Also in the travelling party are Tom Cleverley, Danny Welbeck, Luke Shaw, Wilfried Zaha, Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Rafael - who are all 24 or under.

And United's new assistant manager says they also have the chance to make a step up.

He added: "With Nemanja Vidic and Rio Ferdinand away it's a great chance for the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans to go to the next level. They are quality players and now they need to show it on a consistent basis."

Lingard, 21, is one of those encouraged by Van Gaal's history of promoting young players. The forward spent most of last season on loan at Birmingham and Brighton.

Now with the first-team squad in the USA, he's hoping to follow Giggs' advice.

Lingard said: "We knew about the manager's track record with young players before he came to the club.

"You have to wait for your chance but make sure you take it when you get it. Training has been hard work but everyone has enjoyed it.

"We've been working on some new things. We're still adapting to how the manager wants to us to play and his structure but that's something we're enjoying."

Van Gaal has also brought in Albert Stuivenberg, former coach of the Netherlands Under-21 team.

He's been part of the backroom staff that has drawn up United's pre-season plans, with the onus on improving the players' technical ability rather than just getting fit.