Kagawa going nowhere

Shinji Kagawa will remain a Manchester United for the foreseeable future despite Juan Mata’s imminent arrival, claims Thomas Kroth, the former Dortmund player’s agent.

Kagawa has yet again struggled to make a decisive impact on his United career, having started only 12 games between Premier League and Champions League this season without registering neither a goal nor an assist so far and only showing glimpses of his talent, such as in the 5-0 win away at Leverkusen.

With Juan Mata poised to arrive at Old Trafford – even though, in typical United fashion, the transfer is being dragged on as Chelsea seem to have stalled on the deal – the Japanese playmaker has been linked with a move away from United, with both Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid reportedly interest in the 24-year-old’s services.

Kagawa’s agent, Thomas Kroth, has however denied the rumours that wanted the former Dortmund midfielder poised to end his United’s career this month.

“At this moment I am sure Shinji will stay. There has been no contact and so it is just rumours,” Kroth told Sky Sports.

The Japanese’s agent also believes that Juan Mata’s arrival at the club won’t force his client out of the club, and when asked whether Kagawa could be heading for the Old Trafford’s exit door, Kroth replied: “No, it is my opinion that he will stay.”

Kagawa has often been played out of position by David Moyes this season, much as Sir Alex Ferguson had done before him, and while Mata’s arrival could reduce the Japanese’s opportunities, it could also benefit him, for David Moyes could operate Mata, Kagawa and Wayne Rooney behind the main striker, thus deploying the Japanese in his favourite role.