Japanese media drool over Kagawa

Even though some United supporters were sceptical about the signing of Shinji Kagawa, it would be fair to say that the signs so far are certainly positive and the player is already making a massive difference to the team’s attacking play. As expected, the Japanese media have recognised this immediately, with a couple of the country’s newspapers already lavishing praise on the 23-year-old.

Perhaps the most flattering quote came from Nikkan Sports, with the newspaper stating, “Kagawa became the star in the Theatre of Dreams — Old Trafford!” However, the Sports Nippon also had plenty of praise with one quote reading, “Kagawa played the central role in United’s offence when Wayne Rooney was left out”.

Even though Kagawa joined for a fee that could rise up to £17m, there were large sections of the Old Trafford faithful who were unsure if the former Borussia Dortmund winger could replicate the form that saw him become such a hit in the Bundesliga. In fact, some went as far as suggesting that United had completed the signing merely for commercial reasons, with the club firmly aware of the immense coverage of Manchester United over in Japan.

However, on first viewing, it looks as though Kagawa could become a real star for Sir Alex Ferguson. In his opening games, he has proved a real handful for opposition and opened his goal scoring account with a tap in against Fulham at the weekend. Nevertheless, his career at Old Trafford hasn’t been without its hiccups and the player has admitted that he still can’t understand Sir Alex Ferguson’s accent! In an interview with the Daily Mail, Kagawa said, “I can’t tell a word he says! I am trying to learn English, but understanding the manager might take a little longer”. For now though, United fans are simply happy for him to let his football do the talking.