Shinji Kagawa has shown he’s a top player, says Sir Alex Ferguson

Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped more praise on Shinji Kagawa after the Japan international’s hat-trick inspired Manchester United to a 4-0 victory over Norwich City on Saturday.

Kagawa, who joined United from Borussia Dortmund last summer, opened the scoring in first-half stoppage time against the Canaries when his volley beat Mark Bunn, and the 23-year-old added two to his tally after the break to put the hosts 3-0 up.

Wayne Rooney then capped an impressive win for Ferguson’s men with a superb fourth – and Ferguson was full of praise for the midfielder after watching his side move 15 points clear of second-placed Manchester City.

“I think that we were always aware of his talent,” said Ferguson of Kagawa at a news conference on Monday.

“He was off for three months and it’s taken him a while to come back but gradually he is coming back, doing very well now, and he’ll be much better next year.

“But with the composure of his goals on Saturday, we’ve got a really top player there.”