Ferdinand tips Kagawa to shine

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has expressed his excitement at linking up with new team-mate Shinji Kagawa.

Japanese star Kagawa joined United from Borussia Dortmund in June for a reported fee of 17 million pounds.

He played a major role in the German club’s successive Bundesliga-winning campaigns over the last two seasons.

And Ferdinand, who will be facing the 23-year-old in pre-season training, has tipped the attacking midfielder to be a hit with the Old Trafford faithful.

The Englishman told MUTV: “I can’t wait to see Kagawa in action. I watched him on TV last season and saw him in the cup final when Dortmund beat Bayern Munich and he looked very impressive.”

“I think a lot of people will be surprised by how good he really is and hopefully he can hit the ground running.”

Ferdinand, 33, is already looking forward to returning to action in United’s pre-season tour of South Africa, China and Europe.

“I love pre-season. This is the longest time I’ve had off and I’m raring to go,” he said.

“Even the family at home have been trying to get me out of the door to come to training. I’ve been getting cold feet in the house sitting around doing nothing. It’s hard work but I love it.”