New Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa says it has been a great honour to play with Wayne Rooney during the side’s pre-season games.
The Japanese international moved to Old Trafford from Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund in the close season and was involved in his side’s final warm-up game on Saturday before the English Premier League season begins next weekend.
Manchester United overcame Hannover 4-3 in Germany and Kagawa was delighted to play alongside England international Rooney.
“Playing with him (Rooney) creates such an exciting atmosphere and he really senses when he’s going to get an opening to shoot,” he said.
“My purpose is to help create those opportunities for him to shoot, if we have get the ball under control we can have those chances to get a shot away.
“It is such an honour to work alongside him and by playing with someone like Rooney, allows me to develop to the next level. I will continue to work my hardest.”
The former Cerezo Osaka midfielder was also pleased with his personal performance, while highlighting the quality of his team-mates.
“I was able to play at my full speed and power and there were a lot of chances for me,” Kagawa said.
“It was such a good feeling and the match gave me a chance to put on a good performance.
“I have just started here and there is so much for me to learn. Playing for this team presents me with so many opportunities.
“My team mates are great but there are so many talented and gifted players out there. I think we stand a good chance in the matches that we have coming up.
“There were lots of openings and opportunities for me today and the playing conditions were good too.
Kagawa will get his first taste of competitive action for United when they get their Premier League campaign underway with a trip to Everton on August 20.
