Rio Ferdinand backs Shinji Kagawa to impress at Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand has backed Shinji Kagawa to be a success at Manchester United.

The 23-year-old completed a reported £17m move from Borussia Dortmund to United last month, with the playmaker signing a four-year deal with the Red Devils.

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

Ferdinand watched Kagawa’s contribution to Dortmund’s victory over the Champions League runners-up and was impressed by the Red Devils’ new aquistion.

“I can’t wait to see Kagawa in action. I watched him on TV last season and saw him in the cup final when Dortmund beat Bayern Munich and he looked very impressive,” Ferdinand told United’s website.

“I think a lot of people will be surprised by how good he really is and hopefully he can hit the ground running.”

Kagawa revealed in June that he turned down the chance to wear United’s iconic No7 shirt as he wants to prove himself at Old Trafford before taking such an honour, before Antonio Valencia was handed the chance to emulate George Best, Eric Cantona and David Beckham.

Former United captain Bryan Robson believes Kagawa’s sensible decision has already won him many admirers, and the 55-year-old is confident the playmaker can be a success at the 19-time champions.

“Straight away that makes him seem like a good, honest lad,” Robson said.

“For him to say that rather than put the No7 shirt on, proves he must be a down-to-earth lad. One thing you get with Japanese boys is they’re very hard working and conscientious about the job.

“From what I’ve seen and been told about him, he can play in numerous positions and won’t let you down. He can do a good, hard, workmanlike job for you.”