Since completing a move to Old Trafford from Dortmund earlier in the month, there has been plenty of comments regarding Shinji Kagawa. The majority of them have been positive, with many international teammates leaping to praise their countryman and state that he will be a revelation in English football.
However, it appears as though Kagawa is reluctant to heap too much pressure on his shoulders, with the Japanese midfielder turning down the chance to wear United’s sacred No.7 shirt this term.
Kagawa claims that he has turned Sir Alex Ferguson’s offer of the No.7 shirt, stating that he wants to build a reputation on his own terms. Speaking to journalists in Japan, Kagawa said, “I’ve just joined the team and haven’t accomplished anything yet. I want to make a name for myself on my own terms. The contract was as long as I’d expected from a club. When I was at [Old Trafford], I thought about how incredible it would be if I could score there.”
Instead of wearing the No.7 shirt, it is understood that Kagawa will pick a shirt more personal to him – with 8, 26, or 29 all being possibilities.
It is certainly going to be interesting with how Kagawa copes with life in England, especially after receiving so much press attention following his move from Germany. During his time at Dortmund, Kagawa developed into a key part of the German champions’ side and was not only regarded as a creative spark, but also chipped in with his fair share of goals after managing to score twenty one in just forty nine games in the Bundesliga. Of course, the Premier League is a much different prospect, yet considering United’s clear problems in midfield last season, the signing of Kagawa can certainly not do any harm for the Red Devils.