Manchester United: Picking a Red Devils Lineup to Include Shinji Kagawa

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Manchester United made their first major signing of the summer—subject to medical and work permit—with the arrival of midfielder Shinji Kagawa for approximately £12 million.

The Japanese international has experienced success in the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, but now finds himself with a new challenge awaiting him in the English Premier League.

Where will Kagawa fit into Manchester United's lineup? Well, here's one school of thought...

David De Gea

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David De Gea endured a shaky spell to the beginning of his Manchester United career, but the Spaniard seemed to settle into his role toward the end of the season.

After paying £17 million for his services, Sir Alex Ferguson is sure to favour the youngster over impressive backup goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard.

Phil Jones

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Technically a central defender, Phil Jones will likely see himself pushed out to the right-back position if Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic are both fit.

The likes of Rafael will be pushing the England defender all the way for a starting berth.

Patrice Evra

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French defender Patrice Evra has long held the left-back position at Manchester United, but reports are surfacing that he could soon be replaced by Everton's Leighton Baines.

Until a deal is made, Evra is undoubtedly Ferguson's first choice for the position.

Nemanja Vidic

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Missing for much of Manchester United's 2011/12 campaign, club captain Nemanja Vidic will take his place in the heart of United's defence when the new Premier League season starts.

Vidic is the lion of Ferguson's back line.

Rio Ferdinand

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Rio Ferdinand may have been overlooked for England in Euro 2012, but Sir Alex Ferguson will play the veteran for Manchester United as long as his body holds up to the rigours of modern-day football.

Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans will be waiting in the wings should Ferdinand need replacing.

Tom Cleverley

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Were it not for an ankle injury suffered against Everton, then 2011/12 would have been a much more significant footballing year for Tom Cleverley.

The young attacking midfielder is the future of Manchester United's midfield, and the arrival of Shinji Kagawa could see the club utilise a 4-5-1 formation more often, with Cleverley as one of the two central attacking midfielders.

Antonio Valencia

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Antonio Valencia is possibly one of the most underrated players in the Premier League.

Valencia—when fit and injury free—is one of the best right wingers in the modern game and easily ousts Nani as first choice for the position of right wing.

Valencia's endless running and willingness to track back makes his contribution irreplaceable.

Paul Scholes

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Having been brought out of retirement by Sir Alex Ferguson last season, Paul Scholes has agreed to stay on at Manchester United for another season.

His role this season could be critical as a central holding midfielder alongside the forward-thinking Cleverley and Kagawa.

Wayne Rooney

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Wayne Rooney could find himself as a lone striker for 2012/13, as the likes of Javier Hernandez and Danny Welbeck could be the ones to make way for the arrival of Shinji Kagawa.

Rooney—currently in action for England in Euro 2012—is Manchester United's prized asset.

Shinji Kagawa

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Shinji Kagawa apparently wants license to roam forward in his midfield role at Manchester United, according to the MailOnline.

Kagawa's attacking midfield role is likely to result in a five-man midfield, rather than the traditional 4-4-2 formation which is seen less and less in the Premier League these days.

With Rooney ahead of him, Valencia and Young out wide and Scholes and Cleverley just behind, Kagawa looks set to have a strong supporting cast for his debut Premier League season.

Ashley Young

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Ryan Giggs will be around for another season or two yet if Ashley Young needs a break from playing, but the England winger is sure to be first choice out on the left wing for 2012/13.

Young completes a fresh-looking midfield for Manchester United that could turn out to be a serious potent force in the Premier League.

Conclusion

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With Kagawa still a relative unknown quantity in the Premier League, Ferguson may opt to blend the Japanese star into the team over a period of time, utilising the likes of Welbeck, Nani and Giggs to ease the transition.

One thing for sure is that someone is seemingly going to suffer from the arrival of the attacking midfielder...who do you think it will be?