Down the middle: Why David Moyes must utilise Shinji Kagawa in his preferred position

Shinji Kagwa has rarely played in his preferred position for Manchester United

If David Moyes is to see his side snap a three-game winless streak, at home to a Newcastle United side that is in good form, then he needs to get his team selection spot on. Manchester United have struggled without Robin van Persie, failing to win any of the games he has missed.

It’s possible that he could make his much-needed return in this game, which is crucial, given Wayne Rooney misses out through suspension. That means that Shinji Kagawa, if he is well enough, in light of recent quotes from Moyes, is likely to continue playing in the position just behind the striker. That said, he has to put in a good performance in Rooney’s absence.

The Japan international had to wait for his chance under Moyes but has won his favour in recent weeks, starting games on the left flank and, more recently, through the middle in his favoured position. He has looked bright when he played, leading counter-attacks and trying to link up with team-mates, but he is yet to make a real impact. This is because his final ball is lacking.

In the six appearances he has made so far he has only created four chances, which is an average of less than one per game. Featuring in two of the three recent games United have failed to win, he didn’t create a single chance. Versus Newcastle and beyond, he needs to do better.

Sir Alex Ferguson told him last season to ‘face the goal or he won’t be a threat.’ Looking at his passing charts from his last two games, it’s clear that he hasn’t taken his former manager’s advice, as he spent more time dropping deep into midfield and passing the ball sideways than he has trying to pick a killer ball through the defence.

Even as far as his shooting is concerned he has been hesitant, taking only two shots in his six appearances, which is an average of one every three games. For an attacking midfielder, this is very poor. To be fair though, he is still lacking in confidence and will need time and games to build it back up.

Unfortunately, the game versus Newcastle may not help, as the Toon are a very physical side. In central midfield, Yohan Cabaye and Cheick Tiote in particular are likely to overwhelm Kagawa, forcing him further and further away from goal.

That said, with Rooney out and given Danny Welbeck hasn’t played well on the left flank, it’s best if Kagawa is deployed there by Moyes. In that way, he can avoid direct confrontation with Cabaye and Tiote and use his good movement to cause problems as he drifts inside, much like he did against Norwich City last season, against whom he scored a hat-trick.

As for the position behind the striker, Anderson has the physical qualities needed to cope, in addition to the technical. What’s more, he isn’t afraid to either drive at the opposition with the ball or to attempt a killer pass through the defence.

Moyes gave the Brazilian a runout in that position in the impressive 5-0 victory away to Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, indicating that he is aware the 25-year-old can play there. Anderson thoroughly enjoyed it, even almost getting on the score sheet after a typical run at the defence with the ball.

He is unlikely to get that opportunity here, in truth, as he is currently out of favour, but it’s something Moyes would do well to consider in light of the circumstances. As he is likely to keep faith in Kagawa, all United can do is hope for the best.