Shinji Kagawa reveals his fondest Sir Alex Ferguson memory from Manchester United spell

07.02.2022 - 07:51 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Shinji Kagawa has admitted that it was a "dream come true" to play for Manchester United.

The Japanese ace — who is now 32 and playing for Belgian club Sint-Truidense V.V — joined United in June 2012 from German heavyweights Borussia Dortmund for an initial fee of £12million.

Kagawa won two trophies during his time at Old Trafford, including the Premier League title, spending two years at the club before returning to Dortmund right at the very end of the summer transfer window in 2014.

His time at United saw him play a key role in the final Premier League title triumph under Sir Alex Ferguson, scoring six goals in 57 appearances across his Old Trafford spell.

Reflecting on his time at United, Kagawa told Eleven Sports: "Manchester United is a huge club, in the world, and when I was young, I watched a lot of the games.

"So I felt like it was a dream come true [to play for United]. I am also proud. It was a special moment for me."

Half of Kagawa's six goals in United colours came in one game against Norwich in March 2013 at Old Trafford. The former Besiktas man netted an impressive hat-trick to help the Reds move a step closer to laying the hands on title, moving them 15 points clear at the summit.

Unsurprisingly, it was the treble against the Canaries that stands out as the fondest memory from his time at United.

"Yes, it was a good game and, for me, it was very special because I scored three goals," Kagawa continued. "I couldn't expect to get three goals.

"What is the best memory? This game was one of the best memories, obviously, because I scored three goals."

As well as reflecting fondly on his one and only Premier League hat-trick, the attacking-midfielder also named Ferguson's final home game as United