Shinji Kagawa: Japanese Star Would Make Immediate Impact at Old Trafford

Manchester United seems destined to sign Borussia Dortmund star Shinji Kagawa, and supporters will not have to wait long to see the investment pay off.

According to Mirror Football, United is close to completing an £18.3 million deal to sign the creative midfielder. The already drawn-out negotiations will be prolonged still, as Kagawa will be out of Europe in order to play in 2014 World Cup qualifying matches for Japan. In all likelihood, though, this deal will happen soon.

Kagawa is an ideal transfer target for the Red Devils. While £18.3 million is more than United would have liked to pay, it is still nowhere near what clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City have shelled out for players in the past.

At 23 years old, Kagawa is the perfect age and will give his best years to Man U.

Once he arrives in Old Trafford, Kagawa will immediately provide a spark in the midfield for the Red Devils. He has all the necessary skills to be an attacking force in the middle or on the wing.

The Japanese star notched 13 goals and eight assists in Bundesliga matches for Dortmund and helped them win the title.

His pace, skill and vision allow him to be a top-class playmaker, while his ability to strike with either foot makes him a lethal goal-scorer.

His versatility is another attribute that will make him an ideal fit in Manchester. Kagawa is comfortable attacking up the middle or from the wing, although he is better when playing in the center. 

Sir Alex Ferguson has always favored the 4-4-2 formation, which he relied on this past season. However, he has shown a willingness to budge in certain situations, and Kagawa’s attacking talents may cause the Scot to tweak his lineup.

Playing Kagawa just behind the strikers will make the best use of his skills, but this will require at least one defensive-minded player to be paired with him in the center of the pitch.

United have the personnel to play a 4-3-3. Michael Carrick and Paul Scholes are both capable of playing as holding midfielders, while Antonio Valencia, Luis Nani an Ashley Young are all best on the wing. Wayne Rooney and Javier Hernandez both excel in a center-forward role.

With these players surrounding him, Kagawa will fit right in and start terrorizing opposing defenses during his first game in a red jersey. If Sir Alex feels that a certain matchup is best suited for a 4-4-2 formation, then Kagawa will still be a solid choice as a winger. 

Whatever Fergie has in store for the rising star, he has the talent and mindset to be instantly successful at Old Trafford. This would be a fantastic investment that would pay off quickly.