I'm very happy with Kagawa, says Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson

21-Jul-2012 3:00:00 AM

The Japan international made a brief cameo in the Red Devils' first pre-season match, and the Scottish manager is pleased with the way he is settling in on tour

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has stated that he is happy with how new signing Shinji Kagawa is settling in at the club after making his first appearance in a cameo role in their opening game of pre-season.

The Japan international, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund earlier this summer, has drawn comparisons from some to the recently departed Ji-Sung Park, and the Scottish coach admits that they are similar players.

"There are similarities to Ji-Sung Park," Sir Alex said at a press conference. "They're both disciplined, they work hard.

"[Kagawa] has been outstanding. His training performances have been very good. He was three or four days behind, but he'll play tomorrow [Saturday, vs Ajax Cape Town].

"We're very pleased. Those qualities that you can compare him with Ji, they're very much the same. They're good professionals, excellent to work with. There will be no problems with him settling into the club.

"What we identified about Kagawa is exactly what I'm seeing now. The difference now is that our players are realising his qualities. He's got quick feet, both footed and had a good goal ratio at Dortmund. He's doing very well and I'm happy."

United continue their pre-season against Ajax Cape Town after a 1-0 win over AmaZulu, and Sir Alex says they will begin with a strong team in their second game of the tour of South Africa.

He added: "We'll play our strongest side to begin with tomorrow and introduce some young players later on.

"We've brought more than 20 players with us. We want to get them all game-time. We always hope we can finish the tour without any injuries, otherwise it's an issue."

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