Why Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa could fall victim to Juan Mata's arrival

Shinji Kagawa

Saturday marked an important and potentially game-changing moment in David Moyes’ career as Manchester United manager. Juan Mata’s arrival from Chelsea in a £37.1 million deal which saw the club finally deliver what they promised in the summer; a ‘marquee’ signing.

For several years prior to Arsenal’s summer acquisition of Mesut Ozil, many said Arsene Wenger needed a similar type of signing. He took his time bowing to pressure from the fans, but few can argue that the German’s arrival has not had a galvanising effect. United fans will be hopeful Mata can have an even greater impact.

While a new signing of such stature can inspire the fans and his fellow team-mates, some members of the squad may grow disheartened and despondent. When so much money is spent on an individual, it is unusual for them not to automatically come straight into the starting eleven, thus displacing someone else.

Three players in particular standout when it comes to identifying those most in danger of seeing their playing time dry up; Ashley Young, Shinji Kagawa and Antonio Valencia.

Unsurprisingly they are arguably United’s three most-maligned players this term, particularly Young and Valencia. Few supporters would miss them considering their consistently uninspiring.

Young’s Performance Score of 21 is better than only four other United players, summarising his poor season. The England international has played 11 league games so far this season, but his paltry return of nine chances created is only two more than Chris Smalling’s respective record, and the winger has no assists.

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If someone was forced to name Young’s strengths in a bizarre Quentin Tarantino-inspired hostage situation, although it would be difficult, at a push they would probably highlight his pace and ability on the ball. However, only 33 per cent of his take-ons have been successful, a very poor return for a winger.

Ashley Young Duels

Kagawa has been little better in truth.

In defence of the Japan international, he has regularly been played out of position on the left-flank, but many would argue he has been unconvincing through the middle.

His Performance Score of 78 may be an improvement on Young, but he has created only five chances in nine appearances, while 51.8% of his passes have been played backwards. Hardly the stats of a world class playmaker.

Shinji Kagawa Pass Direction

Some will claim he needs to be given more of a chance, but does he deserve such patience? Others would say he had more than enough time. Clouded, his future is – Yoda might say.

Lastly we come to Valencia.

Despite ‘boasting’ a higher Performance Score and playing significantly more than the other two, the Ecuadorian is just as at risk.

His record of 18 chances created is the joint third-highest in the squad with Adnan Januzaj, but the teenager offers the unpredictability, flair and flamboyancy lacked by Valencia, who has only two assists in his 19 appearances.

Man Utd Top Chance Creators

One has to presume that, given a choice between the two, Moyes would select the 18-year-old to feature with Mata in an attacking midfield area, rather than to deploy Valencia on the flank.

Perhaps Mata’s arrival will jolt this trio into action. Maybe they will go some way to recapturing their form from previous years, but if they do not react they could suffer the same fate of the inconsistent and now-departed Anderson.