Kagawa Unsure What Else He Can Do To Resolve Manchester United Exile

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa is not sure what else he can do to lift his first team prospects at Old Trafford, but is hopeful a positive performance for Japan mid-week will send a message to David Moyes.

The Japan international has once again cut a peripheral figure at his club this season and has been handed just three starts for the club in 2014, two of which resulted in United exiting cup competitions.

The arrival of Juan Mata at Old Trafford has seemingly placed Kagawa further down the pecking order, but the former Borussia Dortmund star realises only the best will justify a spot in Moyes' first team plans, something he is hopeful of delivering when Japan take on New Zealand in a friendly on Wednesday.

"Of course it is important for a player to continue getting games, but there is not much I can do about my situation," Kagawa is quoted as saying by the Japan Times. "It (regular football) is something that I won't be able to gain unless I am delivering results.

"I can't change the situation I'm in, so I want to turn it into something positive and do well (on Wednesday.)

Kagawa has started 15 games in all competitions this season but only seven of those have come in the Premier League. His substitute appearance in United's 1-0 loss to Olympiakos was his first in any competition in a month, but former United striker Andy Cole has urged to the Japan international to not be dejected by his spell on the side lines.

"He is a quality player but he is not the only one who is finding it hard to get regular football," Cole told United's official website. "There are many top players in the squad and there is plenty of competition.

"But having seen Shinji play at Dortmund, I know for sure how good he is. He was the best player in Germany for two years. I believe he'll come back with some good displays."