Shinji Kagawa: The Frustrated Bench-Warmer

He just doesn’t deserve to be benched.

Firstly, Shinji Kagawa was a great signing by Sir Alex Ferguson. His intentions were spot on and the former manager got many positive performances from the Japanese international. Ferguson might well have seen Kagawa to be an important part of the upcoming season, but, as we all know, that was then and this is now.

When a new manager takes over a club, he often brings his own style and his own vision to the team and at this point, it is clear that David Moyes and Sir Alex are on completely different pages and possibly even books when it comes to Shinji. Now, Moyes needs to get this right before it’s too late. Kagawa has the ability to become the next Paul Scholes but, for whatever reason, that is not being recognized by the current United management.

Great passing, great vision and a hunger for victory characterize his game. With a title in his first season, he would surely deliver this time around as well. Or at least he would if he could find his way onto the pitch. The chronic lack of playing time is something which has gone so far as to upset his former Borussia Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp – a man who obviously knows all about the talent that is currently going to waste.

*From the above chart, it’s plain to see how little he is factoring in Utd matches

Examining Kagawa’s playing time this season, anyone can see it’s far too little considering his level of quality and I just wonder at what point he becomes disenchanted with the way things are going. A 90% pass completion rating last season, a hat-trick against Norwich, and a total of 6 goals was a very good return from his first season in English football – something which many players struggle to adapt to immediately.

What Moyes needs to understand is that our midfield needs to be a real strong point throughout the entire season in order for United to be successful, and it is crucial that he utilizes the skill within his squad effectively. A combination of Kagawa, Carrick, Valencia and Cleverly/Fellaini has the potential to be a very legitimate midfield, which critics point to as being our weakest position.  With Carrick right ahead of the defense and Valencia and Cleverly patrolling the wings, with Kagawa right behind the attackers, United would have the potential to have a very strong season.

So long as players like Kagawa are improperly used, well, fans can just continue to bide their time and be frustrated. Just imagine how he feels.

Below is a little video of Kagawa you might enjoy.  I just hope Moyes realizes it before it’s too late.

Glory, Glory Man United.

Main photo credit: wespont via photopin cc