Published: Today at 09:16
SHINJI KAGAWA has set his sights on becoming Manchester United's No10 next season.
United striker Wayne Rooney already wears that number shirt but it is the 'number 10' position that Kagawa wants from him.
Rooney played in the hole, just off England team-mate Danny Welbeck last season.
And Kagawa, the £12million new signing from Borussia Dortmund, said: "I want to play there.
"I feel like that's where I play my best football. I plan on working hard so I can win my place at that position."
He added: "United are one of the biggest clubs in the world and I was given a chance to play for them.
"I took a lot of things into consideration, like the fact that they've got a deep squad, their style of football and it wasn't an easy decision.
"But I wanted the challenge."
Kagawa admits United boss Alex Ferguson's personal visit to see him play in the German Cup final clinched the deal for him.
The Japan star, 23, said: "There was some talking going on with other clubs but Manchester were the first to make me a formal offer.
"The more I talked to them, the more I felt Manchester was the place for me to be.
"I met Ferguson and contacted him a few times afterwards. I thought we hit it off, which meant a lot to me.
"He told me, 'Don't worry about a thing, trust me. I would love it if you could take on this huge challenge'.
"And when a legendary man like him says that to you, it carries a lot of weight."
Kagawa is looking forward to playing in the Premier League and fighting for the title.
He added: "When you look at the football scene, it's the best league in the world.
"You've got the world's biggest clubs like City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea all in the same league which is fascinating.
"In the Bundesliga, the only games that compare are the ones against Bayern (Munich).
"I feel like I'd be able to gain so much by playing big games on a regular basis, including the Champions League. I can't help but be excited."
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