Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs believes the comparisons between Robin Van Persie and Ruud Van Nistelrooy are not far off after the Dutch striker inspired another comeback victory for his side in the Champions League against Braga.

Van Persie has been in stunning form for his new club, and netted United's first goal, with ten minutes remaining, in a 3-1 win over Braga after the Portuguese side had taken the lead, and were seemingly on their way to picking up three points.

However, Giggs feels once Van Persie came on as a second half substitute, the tempo of the game changed with the 29-year-old making an instant impact. "The tempo wasn't really there in the first half," Giggs told the club's official website. "They made it difficult, got everyone behind the ball and tried to counter-attack, and they were probably the better team in the first half with the better chances.

"It wasn't until we went one-nil down -- probably when Robin came on -- that we started to play a little bit better."

Van Persie's penchant for scoring goals from almost every opportunity has drawn comparison with a former prolific Dutch and United striker - Van Nistelrooy, and Giggs believes there are definite similarities between the two.

"His confidence is just sky high at the moment," he added. "I read last week that a lot of the players think he's similar to Ruud in the respect that Ruud used to get a chance and more often than not he'd put them away.

"That's the case with Robin at the minute -- his confidence is high, we're creating chances for him and he's putting them away."

Meanwhile, Chris Smalling expressed his happiness at making a successful comeback from injury in the win over Braga. "Watching the Champions League games from the stands was frustrating for me, so it was good to be back out there," the Englishman said after the match. "It's good to be able to come back with a win as well, so I'm feeling happy.

"To be able to qualify with two games to go really gives the manager a chance to play other players and keep people fresh for what's going to be a very long season.

"I had been looking at this period of October and November for being able to come back and make an impact," he added. "I've been able to train over this last week or so and I feel ready.

"I'm hoping I can stay away from injuries now because I think I'm due that. I had a clash of heads during the match but I was fine after about five minutes.

"I feel good after playing the game, so bring on Saturday."