Shinji Kagawa Must Be Given a Chance Against Leverkusen by David Moyes

Somewhere in Dortmund, Juergen Klopp is weeping.

At the end of last season the Borussia Dortmund manager revealed, as reported in The Manchester Evening News, that he had been severely disappointed at how Shinji Kagawa, who he sold to Manchester United in 2012, had been treated at Old Trafford. 

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Shinji Kagawa is one of the best players in the world and he now plays 20 minutes at Manchester United on the left wing. My heart breaks. Really, I have tears in my eyes. Central midfield is Shinji's best role. He's an offensive midfielder with one of the best noses for goal I ever saw.

"

If Kagawa only getting 20 minutes a game for United last season upset Klopp, just imagine how distraught he must be this season.

So far in the 2013-14 campaign, Kagawa has not played a single minute for United in their four league games, being an unused substitute against Swansea and Chelsea before not even making it on to the bench against Liverpool and Crystal Palace.

David Moyes has sought to explain his absence, as reported in The Mirror, by citing his international commitments during the summer at the Confederations Cup and early this season. 

There is some merit in this, a succession of long-haul flights can take their toll, but now the time for excuses is over and Moyes must give Kagawa his chance against Bayer Leverkusen tomorrow night. 

Throughout the summer David Moyes spent a great deal of time trying to sign a world-class attacking midfielder, a player who could both provide goals and unlock defences, when he already possessed one in this squad. 

David meet Shinji Kagawa, your No. 26.

Manchester United have a fine player in Kagawa, a potential match-winner, but they are failing to properly use him.

It was inevitable Kagawa would need time to adjust to the Premier League last season, but he still conjured up moments of wonder.

I was at Old Trafford in March last season to see Kagawa score an inspired hat-trick in a 4-0 win over Norwich City.

The goals showcased exactly what he can offer United from midfield.   

His first was a simple volley from close range, but his second, a simple tap in which almost trickled over the line after a late run in to the box, and his third, consisting of a run from the halfway line and a brilliant first touch to elude a defender in the penalty area, were things of subtle beauty.

The following month I was at Upton Park to see Kagawa’s exquisite body swerve set up Antonio Valencia’s goal.

David Moyes needs to start utilising Kagawa’s creative talents, which are of no use when he sits on the substitute bench or in the stands.

The Manchester United manager should appreciate that he possesses a player of immense talent, still only 24 years old and potentially one of the best attacking midfielders in football. 

Kagawa needs to start playing regularly for United, beginning tomorrow night against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League.