Kagawa Admits to Tough Times at Manchester United

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kawaga remains determined to succeed at Old Trafford despite not featuring in any of the club's opening Premier League games this season amid concern over his role under David Moyes.

The Japan international was an unused substitute for United' opening two games of the season and was omitted from David Moyes' squad for last Sunday's loss to Liverpool at Anfield, having played just seven minutes of United's Community Shield win at the start of the campaign.

With concerns of how the talented playmaker will fit into Moyes' first team plans, Kagawa has admitted things have not been easy as of late at the club, but has indicated that he will continue fighting for a spot in the starting XI.

"Tough times are continuing, but all I can do is work hard," Kagawa was quoted as saying by Sky Sports, before confirming that he has had no plans to leave Old Trafford.

Kagawa's agent recently confirmed Atletico Madrid made an offer to take the 24-year-old on a season long loan, but a move away from Manchester never crossed his client's mind despite his struggles for first team action.

"Shinji will not be leaving Manchester United, he wants to fight for his place," Kagawa's agent Thomas Kroth told ESPN before the closure of the transfer window last night.

"Because of the Confederations Cup, he did not have a full pre-season and therefore still has a training deficit. That's why he, until now, has won hardly any playing time.

"Atletico made an enquiry, although this was never an issue for Shinji."

Amid speculation surrounding his future at United, the Free Shinji campaign started by Borussia Dortmund supporters has provided an interesting back drop. Still adored by Dortmund supporters, they demand United 'free' the playmaker from his peripheral role at the club using the hashtag #freeshinji to help promote the tongue in cheek movement.