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Juan Mata signing pushed Shinji Kagawa out of Man Utd - Sir Alex Ferguson
SIR ALEX FERGUSON believes the arrival of Juan Mata at Manchester United pushed Shinji Kagawa towards the exit.
Kagawa was a largely peripheral figure during his two years at Old Trafford and he re-joined Borussia Dortmund in the summer.
David Moyes brought in Mata for £37million in the January window to add more creativity to the Red Devils.
Ferguson believes Kagawa's chances were limited even further when Mata joined.
"Every manager has his own philosophy," Ferguson told German paper Bild.
When Moyes signed Mata, Kagawa felt that he no longer is the first choice, and gave up a hope a bit
"When Moyes signed the Spanish superstar [Juan] Mata [during the 2013-2014 winter transfer period], Kagawa felt that he no longer is the first choice, and gave up a hope a bit."
Ferguson however believes Kagawa will rediscover his form of old at Dortmund.
He added: "I believe that BVB and Kagawa did everything right. Shinji is back in surroundings in which he feels like a fish in the water," Ferguson told Bild.
"And in [Jurgen] Klopp he has a coach, who can provide him with the necessary confidence."