Kagawa eyeing more goals, assists in Rooney's absence

Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has said he was relieved to score his first goal for the club, and added that he would like to score as well as make more goals for the team, especially in the absence of injured Wayne Rooney.

Japan international Kagawa played just off Robin van Persie during United's 3-2 win over Fulham on Saturday but was frustrated he did not see more of the ball before being replaced.

Kagawa made his name at Borussia Dortmund in a floating role between midfield and attack, scoring and making goals, and with Rooney likely to be out for up to two months with a gashed thigh, he is set for a run in his favourite position.

"It's true my favourite position is in the hole but I will play where I'm asked to play. The combination play with the other players will improve match by match," The Daily Express quoted Kagawa, as saying.

Kagawa expressed relief after he got off the mark on his home debut but admits his tap-in was an unusual goal.

"I thought I might have been offside. The timing was just right. No matter how it happened, I just wanted to score as soon as possible. I'm relieved I could do it at home," Kagawa said.

"But the goal wasn't scored in my usual style. Next time I'd like to score a more typical goal. I wanted to make a goal as well. I like to make goals as much as score them and I was disappointed when Rafael's goal was disallowed for offside after I hit the post," he added.

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