Kagawa to remain in exile under Moyes

Manchester United attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa (Action Images)

 

 

Midfielder Shinji Kagawa may have returned to the Manchester United lineup for the 1-0 defeat of Liverpool but he is still unlikely to feature in the Premier League on Saturday.

Kagawa has found himself frozen out at United under new manager David Moyes and is yet to make an appearance in the English top flight this campaign.

The Japan international did play against Liverpool in the League Cup on Wednesday evening, but frustrated and delighted in equal measure. Kagawa displayed flashes of attacking quality United have been sorely lacking in the final third this season, but was also all too often caught in possession.


In the high-point of his performance, Kagawa turned brilliantly away from Liverpool defensive midfielder Lucas before running on goal to unleash a driven effort that clipped the crossbar.

Less than 10 minutes later however, he was substituted, replaced by Adnan Januzaj.
Despite reports of conflict between manager and player, in truth Kagawa will not have found Moyes' post-match comments unfair.

Speaking to reporters after Wednesday's tie, Moyes said: “He did OK. There were bits which I was pleased with, and bits where we were looking for a little bit more. Overall, he’s still getting back.

“A lot’s been said", Moyes continued, "but I think most people who watched would say he’s still short of being really at full match fitness.”

Whatever Kagawa's sentiments about his performance, Moyes' assessment will have done little to convince the player he will secure a starting spot any time soon. 

United host West Bromwich Albion on Saturday afternooon, where Kagawa will hope to at least make his first Premier League appearance of the new campaign.