What does the future hold for Shinji Kagawa?

Shinji Kagawa

Shinji Kagawa will be an instant hit at Manchester United. That was everybody’s belief at the time Sir Alex Ferguson signed him from Borussia Dortmund. Kagawa had clearly been the best playmaker in Bundesliga for the past two seasons, and a lot was expected from him at Manchester.

Sir Alex Ferguson had also tried the new diamond formation to fit in Kagawa. However, Kagawa didn’t perform at his best last season, only with the occasional sights of finesse and vision, failing to comprehensively win over the fans and the gaffer. It was always expected that the first season in England would be tough for Shinji Kagawa, given his lack of body strength and experience. The back injury and constant niggles didn’t help him either, making only 20 appearances for United, scoring 6 goals, including a hat-trick.

Shinji Kagawa is a technically gifted player, who plays at his best as an attacking midfielder. However, he was mostly played at the left side of the midfield where he lacked conviction and pace. With the role of attacking central midfielder taken by Michael Carrick, and Wayne Rooney playing behind the striker, Kagawa had to sacrifice his natural playing position, which ultimately led to lack of efficacy in his play.

When Sir Alex Ferguson retired, Shinji Kagawa had hoped that he would get more chances under David Moyes. However, Manchester United’s style of play hasn’t changed under David Moyes so far, and with the recent signing of Marouane Fellaini, Shinji Kagawa has more competition for his preferred position, although it is understood that Fellaini will play more as a holding midfielder.

But, the bad news for Kagawa is that he hasn’t started a single match for United this season. Although only three matches have been played so far, a player of Kagawa’s calibre has played a mere ten minutes so far.

David Moyes is also seen to favour the 4-4-2 formation, which makes it even more difficult for Kagawa to play at his suited position. Recently, the English and German press claimed that, Borussia Dortmund were ready to re-sign Kagawa from United but the reports were squashed by the player and his agent.

Kagawa was quoted as saying that he was ready to fight for his place at Manchester United and wouldn’t take the easier way out. David Moyes has also assured that Shinji Kagawa will be given his chances at Manchester United, and that he is very much a part of his future plans.

Moyes also explained Kagawa’s absence in the team sheet for recent matches citing his lack of match fitness.

However, Kagawa clearly proved in the friendly match between Japan and Ghana that he is fully match fit and raring to go.

The question to be answered now is that when will Shinji Kagawa get his chance at Manchester United at his preferred position of play, and will he be able to capitalize on such chances as and when they arise, no matter how limited they are.

One thing is clear that if Shinji Kagawa fails to impress the fans and the new gaffer this season, he will either be sold next season, or he himself would want to go back to Borussia Dortmund, where he has enjoyed so much success in the recent past, and is still loved by the German fans.