Why Shinji Kagawa Is Never Going to Succeed at Manchester United

Can Shinji Kagawa succeed at Manchester United?

Of course, he can.

The Japanese playmaker has all the attributes to play at the very highest level—just don’t be surprised if it never happens for him at United. He was the standout player at Real Sociedad in the Champions League on Tuesday, particularly when played through the middle. Sadly, however, he’s only really shown what he can do in glimpses.

Many of his woes at Old Trafford have not been his own fault, though. Beset by injury early on and played out of position for the most part, it’s not been a smooth transition into Premier League football for Kagawa.

Let’s take a look at the reasons why Shinji Kagawa will struggle to prosper at Manchester United.


The Wayne Rooney Factor

Yes, the old No. 10 debate.

Wayne Rooney essentially occupies the role that Kagawa wants to play. It would be remiss to suggest that Rooney’s selection (and form) is not in some way impacting upon Kagawa’s playing time. The game against Real Sociedad was evidence of that. When Rooney departed, Kagawa moved centrally and looked excellent.

But who should play behind Robin van Persie in the long term? Wayne Rooney.

Whether you like it or not, he is the better player. In the age of social media and the emergence of the fan that bases his/her views on short YouTube snippets, Kagawa's stock has elevated. There’s no question whatsoever that the Japanese is a world-class player; it’s just that Rooney is better.

His rejuvenation under David Moyes has been spectacular, and you couldn't justify handing Kagawa the No. 10 role right now.

But Manchester United fans, hungry to see their team playing attractive football, want Kagawa in the starting lineup. That means, however, that he is often restricted to a role on the left-hand side. It’s a position that dilutes Kagawa's creativeness and stifles his impact on the game. He is at his best through the middle.

That conundrum brings us on nicely to the next point...


Kagawa’s Playing Style Doesn’t Suit Manchester United

Did anyone find it strange that Kagawa was signed in the first place? No? Just me then...

Man United have never had a player like Shinji Kagawa before.

And perhaps there's a reason for that: United play a different way to Kagawa's style of play. Setting up in a 4-4-2/4-4-1-1 formation, there’s only really room for one player to play in that attacking midfield role behind the striker.

The width provided by Antonio Valencia on the right illustrates this point perfectly. The emergence of Adnan Januzaj has also reduced the number of minutes Kagawa has played this season on the left. Manchester United fans have been quick to get on Moyes' back about the Japanese’s lack of playing time, but things weren’t too different under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Is this really a feasible suggestion?

Essentially, it comes down to this: When Manchester United line up against Arsenal on Sunday, the chances of Kagawa starting are slim.

That’s not because David Moyes has misread the situation or because he doesn't rate Kagawa; the Japanese just doesn’t fit.

Maybe, there is a way to accommodate him into the starting XI. Let us know how you think Kagawa could be incorporated in the comments section.  


David Moyes' View

Following United's draw at Real Sociedad, where Kagawa played excellently, Moyes' post-match comments were enlightening. They were also somewhat revealing.

Nick Coppack of Manutd.com provides the quotes:

"

I thought it was Shinji's best game in my time here. He hadn't really found his feet yet but I saw something from Shinji tonight which I hadn't seen in other games, so I was really pleased. His effort when we didn't have the ball was fantastic. With Shinji, everybody tells me about his ability and what he has got, but tonight is the first time I’ve really seen Shinji.

"

That doesn't exactly scream of a manager who views Kagawa as one of his key players, does it?

Regardless, the only way that Kagawa can persuade Moyes that he deserves a starting role is to put in performances of that ilk week in, week out.


Looking Ahead

In the short and long term, it remains to be seen how Kagawa will make his impact at Old Trafford.

Every Manchester United fan wants him to succeed, but fewer are prepared to recognise that he perhaps never will. And that brings us on to a talking point, one which will no doubt divide opinion.

With United’s problems lying deeper in midfield, should Shinji Kagawa be used to finance a deal for a central midfielder? Namely, one Ilkay Gundogan?

It’s certainly not an absurd suggestion; he is a reported target. 

Kagawa’s long-term future will likely become clearer toward the end of the season. There’s no way he will be content with his current situation post-World Cup.

And so, if it comes to light that he forces a move away, then why not act now in January? Rarely are the better transfer deals done in the middle of the season, but this is a very unique situation.

United have a fantastic player on their hands, but one who looks destined to see his potential go unfulfilled in Manchester unless things change quickly.