It’s been difficult to watch David Moyes misuse Shinji Kagawa over the course of the season. I think it’s fair to say that he hasn’t been given enough chances to impress over the course of the season and really hasn’t been able to find his best form.
For a player who arrived at Manchester United with such an excellent reputation, this must be difficult to stomach.
It’s no coincidence that during his two years with Borussia Dortmund, the German side won the Bundesliga twice. His all round attacking play and confidence in front of goal was integral to Dortmund’s success and he’s still very highly regarded among Bundesliga fans.
Particularly impressive was his goal-scoring form. Back in 2010/11 he scored 12 goals in 28 appearances. The season after he scored 17 in 43 appearances. This kind of return from a central midfielder is very rare indeed.
Since joining Manchester United he’s only scored 6 goals (none of which have come this season). But because his United career has been very stop-start, he’s never really found his footing in the Premier League. The fact that he’s only played six times this season is somewhat outrageous.
He was the Asian International Footballer of the Year back in 2012 and now he’s struggling for game time?
You get the feeling that if he were given a run of games once more, he would quickly get back to his best. The hope is that he not only finds his shooting boots once more, but also rediscovers his touch, passing range and ingenuity.
If he does that, he’ll be a real asset for United and could help David Moyes to turn things around.
It’s for this reason that I’m a little disappointed to hear rumours suggesting that Shinji could leave Old Trafford during the next transfer window.
Bundesliga side Wolfsburg are keen on both Kagawa and Chelsea’s Kevin De Bruyne. The club’s Sporting director Klaus Allofs recently told the Press:
“At Werder, I have seen just how good de Bruyne is, and at Dortmund we have seen how well Kagawa can do. If such players are possible, you of course think about them.” (Source: The Mirror)
Given Kagawa’s familiarity with the Bundesliga and lack of Premier League action, I can’t help but wonder if he’d be tempted to move to Wolfsburg.
It’s up to David Moyes to prove to Kagawa that he’s of value to Manchester United and that he’ll get plenty of action should he stay. That would be something of a confidence booster in itself and could well get the Japanese ace firing on all cylinders once more.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United consider selling Shinji Kagawa?
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No way should we let him go he is a brilliant player when played properly United are wasting a very rare talent with quite a few more years before he peaks Moyes should give him more games because Rooney will be sold in January.
NO NO NO that’s nonsense!!!………………..
I hate to think he could leave but then, why not? Sitting on such talent is criminal and unacceptable. The other way out (which even I cant see happening) is S.K to compete for a position at the flanks. That way, he could interchange with Januzaj. Though that will be a waste too! There is no easy way out…let him leave, for his career’s sake!
I don’t know what Moyes like so much but he have to hold Kagawa and play him too
I keep wondering if SAF bought Kagawa as a replacement for an unhappy Rooney. But now that Rooney is not leaving, Kagawa is quality player who is technically sound and moves the ball around quickly which is just what UTD need to do. Cleverly is good at that as we so if you had both playing the supply to Rooney and RVP would be just what they need. I just don’t understand that Moyrs can’t see that. Maybe he just doesn’t want to player that way which is ridiculous . This brings back memories of when Veron came to UTD. I love watching UTD play when they have Januja and Kagawa playing. Sad to say but I think he is going to leave and u can’t blame him.