Japan midfielder Shinji Kagawa is just what Manchester United need, claims Reds legend Denis Irwin

SHINJI SUCCESS: Irwin confident for star

By Dean Wilkins

Denis Irwin is confident that new Manchester United signing Shinji Kagawa will be a success for the Reds.

The Old Trafford legend said the Japan midfielder is just what United need and expects him to become a crowd favourite.

Kagawa, who signed from Borussia Dortmund for £12million last Tuesday, will seal a move to England if he passes a medical test and secures a work permit.

Irwin told manutd.com: "He’s the type of player that most United fans felt we needed, an attacking, all-action player.

"I saw him playing a couple of matches for Borussia Dortmund and he seemed a very talented player, lively with great technique. I know he was highly rated in Germany.

"I think he’ll be a great signing and fans should be excited by the prospect of him playing for us because he can run with the ball, create chances and score goals. He’s just what we need."

The 23-year-old playmaker adapted to German football shortly after moving from Japan and the former Ireland international expects him to do the same in the Premier League.

"Physically it could be tougher than Germany but the Bundesliga can be quite tough, and other smaller players have shown that size doesn’t prevent you being a success in [England]," the ex-defender said.

"The manager will have done his homework on him – he went out to see him in the German Cup final when Dortmund beat Munich 5-2, in which he scored.

"So Sir Alex will have assessed him and decided he’s got what it takes to be a Manchester United player."

Kagawa is currently on international duty and regularly plays on the left flank but with established wingers Antonio Valencia, Nani and Ashley Young fighting for starts, the young star may carve a role for himself in midfield.

"I know he can play on the wing but I’ve only ever seen him play through the middle, behind the front man," Irwin said.

He added: "In that position he looks a talented player who can create chances for others but also scores goals.

"His record at Dortmund was impressive and they won two leagues in a row, the Double last season, so he must have been doing something right."

For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.