Can the fans show patience with Shinji?
Sir Alex Ferguson claims Shinji Kagawa may take a season to fully adapt to the rigours English football as the former Dortmund man plays his part in United’s bid to regain the title- and possibly much more.
Kagawa has been steadily improving at United showing more and more signs of what he’s truly capable of as he gets to grips with the pace and toughness of the Premier League.
Sir Alex suggests it may take a little while longer for the Japanese star to show his true talent.
The Telegraph notes:
The 23-year-old, who has recently returned from a 10-week knee injury lay-off, was replaced by Ryan Giggs early in the second half against Real after struggling to make an impact in the Champions League last-16 first leg at the Bernabéu.
Despite the midfielder’s search for consistency, Ferguson insisted that it would be next season before Kagawa showed his best form for United.
[Sir Alex said]
“The difference between German and English football is that in Germany you can’t foul,”
“You are not allowed to touch anyone in Germany, so he [Kagawa] has come from that environment to the Premier League which is totally different.
“There is a physicality to our game which is different from Germany, but next year he’ll be better. I thought in the first half-hour [against Real] he was terrific and he was making some great runs through them.”
Kagawa may not have received much praise for his performance at the Bernabeu, but like everyone else in a United shirt, played his part and as Sir Alex alluded to caused Real at least one or two scares.
If Kagawa can continue his improvement this season, he may just be the difference between a good season and truly memorable one.
He {kagawa} is gonna get better in time
Kagawa is a real talent but things don’t always click straight away. Van Persie had experience of England so he settled quicker. Kagawa is in his first season and he is only 23. The shame was the injury he suffered because that took him out for a while. I think he has done well in patches but can get better.
Kagawa can still have a strong influence on this season, but it will be next season where will hopefully see his best. I remember David Silva first season at Man Cty was a bit slow but he was terrific in his second season. Kagawa will improve and become stronger at 23 years of age.