Manchester United playmaker overlooked in the starting line-up against Bayern Munich.
Manchester United face Bayern Munich at Old Trafford in a Champions League quarter-final with a rare edge, the Germans are favourites.
United named their starting line-up for the clash over an hour ahead of the clash, with the team as: De Gea, Jones, Vidic, Rio, Buttner, Carrick, Fellaini, Giggs, Valencia, Welbeck, Rooney.
It means a huge test for full-backs Phil Jones and Alexander Buttner up against Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, but this was a fate United fans expected. What was perhaps inevitable but more frustrating was Shinji Kagawa's omission.
Kagawa has frequently found himself benched this season, but with Juan Mata cup-tied, manager David Moyes gave fans a hint in his pre-game press conference that the Japanese international's time was about to come.
"It’s something we’ll seriously consider. Shinji is a really important player to us. We like him a lot and he gives us something different. He’s certainly in our thoughts for tomorrow night’s game."
Clearly after much deliberation, the United manager decided not to pick the playmaker, leaving him on the bench.
This was not a decision which has gone down well with United fans, perhaps particularly in light of the fact the star has a played four, won four, record against Bayern from his Dortmund days.
Here is how supporters reacted on Twitter:
why isn't Kagawa starting he knows the most about Bayern as you know he hasn't been beat by them in 4 games when he was at Dortmund @ManUtd
— barakarth☠(@LoveLikeBarakat) April 1, 2014
in all seriousness, Moyes seems to hate Kagawa, why doesnt he start him? especially as he's more familiar with Bayern from his dortmund days
— Chuck Obama (@Emmy_0208) April 1, 2014
even though i LOVE KAGAWA i can understand why moyes has dropped ihm today..we need extra man in mid guys.this team lacks that cutting edge
— CROSSI -TAKA MOYES (@varunarun438) April 1, 2014
I know Kagawa at United hasn't worked out as well as first hoped but after Villa I am very confused as to why he hasn't started behind Roo.
— Sarah Jones (@sarahmufc93) April 1, 2014
Kagawa on the bench? Why take him off against Villa if you don't start him.
— Perpetuous Dreamer (@HummingWanderer) April 1, 2014
why moyes thinks its acceptable to play fellaini over fletcher or kagawa, i will never ever ever know
— chelsie coyle (@ChelsieCoyle) April 1, 2014
Really feel Kagawa was perfect for this match. Once again, Moyes disappoints.
— Tatiana MUFC (@TatianaMUFC) April 1, 2014
I'm trying my best to keep faith in Moyes, but starting Giggs and Fellaini ahead of Januzaj and Kagawa is just wrong! #Deluded #MUFCBAYERN
— Conor Kennedy (@conorkennedy99) April 1, 2014
I just don't think Moyes does himself any favours. Kagawa knows Bayern very well. And has scored goals against them. Should have been in.
— Dunkirk spirit #mufc (@NiCk_MaN_uTd) April 1, 2014
You said Kagawa will be involved on the game, but he's not start, you play useless with valencia fellaini again. F! moyes, shrimp brain.
— Yansen P. (@baizhisheng7) April 1, 2014
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