Sport : Football

Kagawa set for full United debut

20th July 2012, 07:21pm

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Shinji Kagawa: Set for full debut

Shinji Kagawa: Set for full debut

Sir Alex Ferguson has confirmed new-boy Shinji Kagawa will start Manchester United's pre-season encounter with Ajax Cape Town on Saturday.

The £17million summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund was restricted to a couple of minutes as a substitute in Durban on Wednesday.

Although it was a disappointment for the supporters who had hoped to see Kagawa in action for the first time, Ferguson claimed because the 23-year-old had arrived for training slightly later that his team-mates, he needed additional work in South Africa this week.

However, with a full-house expected at the Green Point Stadium, Ferguson is ready to unleash the Japan midfielder.

Kagawa has already impressed Ferguson during his short time at Manchester United.

"He's been outstanding," said Ferguson.

"His training performances have been very good. He was three or four days behind everyone else, but he'll play tomorrow."

Kagawa is already being compared to Park Ji-sung, the crowd favourite from South Korea who has now joined QPR.

A member of the Dortmund side that has won back-to-back German titles, Kagawa is a more accomplished ball player than Park. However, Ferguson revealed they share the same work ethic.

"There are similarities to Ji-sung Park. They're both disciplined, they work hard," said the Scot.

"Also, they are good professionals and excellent to work with.

"There will be no problems with him settling into the club.

"What we identified about Kagawa is exactly what I'm seeing now. The difference now is that our players are realising his qualities.

"He's got quick feet, is two-footed and had a good goal ratio with Dortmund. He's doing very well."

Bet with SkyBet  Premier League. Click here to bet.

Football Videos

    Wright's message for fans

    Wright's message for fans

    18-June-2013

    The new manager of St Johnstone, Tommy Wright, has urged supporters to have patience after the success of last season.

    Football League celebrates anniversary

    Football League celebrates anniversary

    18-June-2013

    The Football League is to mark the 125th anniversary of its first season with a programme of special anniversary league fixtures to be played on the opening weekend of the new season.

    Kinnear defends appointment

    Kinnear defends appointment

    18-June-2013

    Joe Kinnear has given a bizarre radio interview to talkSPORT in which he mispronounced players names and made incorrect claims about his signings.

    Coyle excited to get started

    Coyle excited to get started

    17-June-2013

    Owen Coyle says he is excited to get started at his new club Wigan.

    Sky Bet

      • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

    Facebook Favourites