Shinji Kagawa Signs For Manchester United

Shinji Kagawa

Birthdate: 17 March 1989
Position: Midfielder
Previous clubs: FC Miyagi Barcelona, Cerezo Osaka

Kagawa turns down the famous number 7 shirt

The number 7 shirt has been blessed by such greats as Cantona, Beckham, Ronaldo and Best and has long since been considered a special shirt and a great privilege to wear it, however Kagawa has remarkably turned down the offer to wear it "I've just joined the team and haven't accomplished anything yet," Kagawa told journalists in Japan after his 12-hour return flight. "I want to make a name for myself [at United] on my own terms.", it looks at this he wants to earn the right to wear it first and may also be concerned about the pressure to perform that the shirt brings and the big shoes to fill and how it may increase peoples attempts to compare him to former greats, whether positively or negatively.

This decision also shows a great attitude from the Man Utd's new man and a certain modesty, im sure he will be a great signing and perhaps in a year orso he can take the number 7 shirt, should United reserve it for him.

The Scoop

Manchester United have confirmed that they have reached a deal with both Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for around 12 million. This is rumored to potentially extend to 17 million depending on apps but none the less in the current climate of the transfer market this is quite a modest figure for what could become a star of the EPL. The deal will be made official following a medial and Kagawa obtaining a work permit.

2011/12

The Japanese player is only 23 years old and was already voted as the Player of the year in the 2010-2012 Bundesliga season, pipping the likes of Arjen Robben who is undoubtedly one of the best players in the world at the moment.

Whilst Bayern Munich were dominating Europe in the Champions league this season, it was quite a surprise to see that they were getting beaten to the Bundesliga by Borussia Dortmund. It was therefore obvious that they had a few hidden stars because they dont exactly have the same high profile players that teams such as the likes of Barcelona and Bayern even.

Shinji is definitely one of those underrated players and really could set alight the EPL. He is an attack minded midfielder who plays through the center, an area which Manchester United have been needing to strengthen for a while now, with no CM fully demanding a place. He has scored 13 goals in 33 games and definitely carries a goal threat

SEE BELOW A COLLATION OF HIS SKILLS AND GOALS WITH DORTMUND

A look to 2012/2013

Hes very direct and possess great technical ability which in combination with his stature has earnt him comparisons to Lionel Messi. It is very surprising that Manchester United havent had much competition for the midfielder in the way that Chelsea did over Eden Hazard.

Fergie was present in Dortmunds 5 - 2 win over rivals Bayern in the Cup final towards the end of the season, quite a remarkable score in which Kagawa got a goal himself and surely impressed Sir Alex, so it was no surprise when the rumors began of his transfer to United.

Manchester United have just lost lost the EPL to bitter rivals Manchester City and will need to strengthen their squad if they are to regain their position at the top of the pack. Shinji appears to be the first signing and dont be surprised if its not the last we see.

Asian Fanbase

Shinji is a Japanese international. Manchester United have a huge following in east asia and this no doubt helped them to secure the transfer, its no doubt that Kagawa has desired to play for Manchester United who are still deemed to be footballing superstars in his home land.

Manchester United report having a fan base of 656 Million and a remarkable 325 Million of which is said to be Asian. This is sure to see a huge boost in Shirt sales, with Japanese fans likely to get Kagawa on the back of their shirts.