Is this man the next star of the United midfield?

Say what you like about Manchester United, there’s no denying they’ve had some superb midfielders in at their club in the past. Ronaldo, Beckham, Scholes, Giggs. That’s just in recent years. Their newest midfielder comes in the form of Kagawa, former Bundesliga champion and current Japanese star. A lot will be expected of him following his move to United, but can he deliver?

Followers of the Bundesliga will know his name, many would have been praying that he sign for their club. He chose United, I think that’s a brilliant choice. For years the stars of the United midfield have been Scholes and Giggs. The pillars of performance, United legends and adored by the fans. They are not getting any younger, they need replacing.

Kagawa could well be this replacement. Scholes almost retired, but found his way back, while Giggs still seems to find enough petrol in his tank to keep going and going. There will come a point where they both have to hang up their boots. Two great players who can look back on their career and be proud.

With their retirement comes pressure to whoever fills the spaces they leave in the team. Many players would not be able to deal with such pressure and it would become a burden for them. However, Kagawa does not fall into that category. He came from a team that took German football by storm and then managed to do it again last season, silencing Bayern Munich.

He was an influential part of their team, something that he can also be at United. He’s shown his talent already, though not to his maximum. Last Monday night he was the one saving grace in what was a difficult night for United, as they fell to defeat at the hands of Everton. Despite United not controlling the midfield battle and Fellaini being star of the show, Kagawa raised some eyebrows. Including mine.

I’d seen Kagawa play for Dortmund the last 2 seasons. Understandably, I was impressed. He’s at ease on the ball, can turn comfortable and deliver a killer pass. On top of that, he has an eye for goal and the determination to get back and try to foil an opposition attack. Frankly, Kagawa has a bit of everything.

He can fit into pretty much any formation and do any job that he is required to do. He can be part of the new United generation, as they aim to win back the Premier League title and halt the progression of their noisy neighbours. 33 appearances for Japan and 11 goals, for those that aren’t blessed with mathematic skills thats a goal every 3 games.

That would be a great return for an International striker, but for a midfielder? That’s incredible. He also managed 21 goals in 49 appearances for Dortmund. Clearly, this is a guy with talent. Supporters around the world will be jealous that United managed to grab this gem. The scary thing is, he’s still only 23.

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