London – Manchester United attacking midfielder Shinji Kagawa says he is prepared to play on the left flank in order to nail down a place in manager David Moyes's first team.
The Japan star was a peripheral figure in the early weeks of the season, but he has started seven of their last 10 games, typically on the left-hand side of the attack in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
While the 24-year-old's preferred position is as a number 10
behind a lone striker Ä a role he has adopted in the absence through injury of Robin van Persie Ä he says he is happy to fill in wherever he is needed.
“I played behind the main striker at (Borussia) Dortmund, but I usually play on the left with Japan,” Kagawa told the United match programme, United Review.
“I should be flexible enough to play in a number of roles, so I am a more attractive player to the team and can contribute even more.
“Every day I am learning how to trouble my opponents on the left, how best to cause them problems with my movement. But I would still like to be capable of taking up more positions.”
United host Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday, having fallen 12 points behind leaders Arsenal following their 1-0 loss at home to Everton on Wednesday. – Sapa-AFP