3 reasons why Manchester United need to start Shinji Kagawa tonight against Liverpool

There has been uproar in the red half of Manchester since David Moyes has arrived surrounding the influencial little Japan international Shinji Kagawa. The Old Trafford faithful have been frustrated with the lack of game time he has received. However, With United taking on Liverpool this evening in the Capital One Cup, here are 3 reasons why Moyes should hand the former Borussia Dortmund man a starting role.

1) RVP sidelined

With last season’s top scorer out of action due to injury, it gives Moyes the chance to push Wayne Rooney into the lone striker role. Although most believe that he is better off in the hole just behind, slipping Kagawa into that role would benefit the attack hugely. Kagawa made 19 chances last season despite only completing 5 full league games.

2) Sluggish backline

Looking at the expected backline of Liverpool tonight it’s clear to see that they lack any pace. Kolo Toure is likely to fill in at right-back, while Martin Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho are favourites to make up the central partnership, with Jose Enrique on the left. Kagawa is a little, nimble player who has the agility to dart through gaps, pull defenders away from their comfort zone and the eye for a pass which could completely take the said defenders out of the game. Kagawa completed 90% of his passes last season.

3) Goals

Not only does the little Japanese playmaker create chances, but he can score goals as well. In his minimal playing time last term he managed an impressive six goals and a shot accuracy of 75%.