SoccerAnchor's Aaron Watts takes a look at Shinji Kagawa's progression from the German Champions to Old Trafford.

SHINJI KAGAWA

FROM: BORUSSIA DORTMUND TO: MANCHESTER UNITED

PRICE: £12 million (initial fee)   

United have often been found wanting in the creativity department over the last couple of seasons however the arrival of Japanese superstar Shinji Kagawa could, and should, help solve this problem.

For all the pace trickery and power Sir Alex Ferguson’s side possess both on the flanks and up-top the one thing they seemingly don’t possess, assuming Wayne Rooney is implemented as a forward, is  player who will play between the lines, a David Silva or Mesut Ozil type player and this is one thing that Kagawa does offer.

As well as acting as a link between midfield and defence, providing assists and helping with the fluidity of the sides passing Kagawa also possesses a fantastic goal threat of his own. Despite being deployed as an attacking midfielder during his two seasons in Germany the Japanese international manage an impressive 21 goals in just 49 appearances.

Kagawa will undoubtedly bring a lot to what at times last season looked a labouring Manchester United team although his arrival is likely to create a few problems for Ferguson regarding team selection.

The position just in behind the main striker, the number 10 role, is seen as Kagawa’s best position by most football experts and also by Kagawa himself. This however is the position or role currently filled at Manchester United by Wayne Rooney.  It seems as if the logical thing to do would be to move Rooney into a more advanced role as the main striker, which is a role he flourished in during the 2009/10 season, however if this is to be the case then you are likely to have a very disgruntled Danny Welbeck on your hands, and he would have every right to be.

The 21 year-old comes into this season after a fantastic year in which he manage to cement a first team place in United’s side and during the summer he was one bright spark in what was a fairly dower European Championships for England.

The other option is to use Kagawa predominantly from the left hand side, as an outside in playmaker, much in the same role that the aforementioned David Silva fulfils for United cross town and title rivals City.

However this approach is one which also poses problems. One would assume that Antonio Valencia will be first choice for United on the right wing following his acquisition of the number seven jersey this summer. If Kagawa is then used on the opposite flank you leave both Ashley Young and Nani on the bench, something that neither player, you would assume, would be particularly pleased about.

To summarise Kagawa will add spark, guile and fluidity to a currently flat Manchester United side as well as this he will also bring a few goals to the party. The problems of trying to fit all of these attacking talents in to one team without being left short is definitely going to be a tough one for Ferguson, but then again, if anybody can make it work surely it is him.