Man Utd’s Rio Ferdinand: Shinji Kagawa is a ‘great acquisition’

Rio Ferdinand is backing Manchester United's new signing Shinji Kagawa to be a big success in the Premier League

Comments

By TSR staff Tuesday 24 July 2012, 10:37 UK

Rio Ferdinand has been impressed by Shinji KagawaPhoto: TSR

rio ferdinand

Rio Ferdinand believes Shinji Kagawa will prove to be a “great acquisition” for Manchester United after the midfielder impressed in the Red Devils’ second pre-season game of the summer.

The 23-year-old completed his transfer last month for an undisclosed fee on a four-year deal following months of speculation linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

Kagawa scored 17 goals in 40 appearances for Dortmund last term as Jürgen Klopp’s side won the Bundesliga title for the second successive year and eased to a 5-2 victory over Bayern Munich in the German Cup final.

The Japan international played 75 minutes in United’s 1-1 draw with Ajax Cape Town, and Ferdinand is optimistic Kagawa will be a big success at Old Trafford.

“I’ve been very, very impressed. I’d seen him play for Dortmund on TV and I looked on YouTube,” Ferdinand said.

“He’s been fantastic. He’s quick, he’s sharp, he has great awareness, he plays off both feet. I’m excited about playing with him and getting the season started.

“He’s been one of the better players in Germany for the last few years. I think he will bring that form to Manchester United. I think he’ll be a great acquisition.”

United take on Shanghai Shenhua in their next pre-season game, with Ferdinand set to face some familiar faces in the form of ex-Chelsea stars Nicolas Anelka and Didier Drogba.

But the defender, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford as he approaches the end of his career, insisted it is too early for England international to contemplate a lucrative move to Asia.

“I think when you get to my age, if you look too far ahead, your legs can get taken beneath you,” he added.

“All I’m interested in is playing for United. It’s what I enjoy. Pre-season began well. I’m just thinking about this season and playing for Manchester United. I’m obviously very happy here and not looking at going anywhere else.”