Shiniji Kagawa hints at wanting more playing time at Manchester United

Shinji Kagawa has hinted that he needs more game time for Manchester United if he is to perform at the World Cup this summer for Japan. Reports in the past have suggested that he could be on his way out at Old Trafford.

Kagawa has struggled for playing time at United in recent months, but netted a penalty as Japan defeated New Zealand 4-2 in Tokyo on Wednesday, as well as claiming an assist.

However, he feels he started to fade in the second half and has put that down to a lack of playing time at Old Trafford this season, something he needs to rectify if he is to have a positive impact at the summer showpiece in Brazil.

Kagawa told reporters, “It really had been been a while.

“But I still had to play well and earn a good result whether I started or came off the bench.

“I didn’t feel as strong in the second half, so that’s something I have to consider.”

Kagawa has struggled to have the impact many were predicting and hoping for since arriving at United from Borussia Dortmund in 2012 and has found his chances very limited under David Moyes this season.

He is expected to be part of the summer clear-out at Old Trafford this summer, with a return to Dortmund mooted, while there is plenty of interest from Spain and Italy too.