Shinji Kagawa rates 'very intelligent' Real Sociedad player highly, he could end Man Utd's season

Manchester United are set to face Real Sociedad in the Europa League round of 16, a clash which could determine the rest of this season.

After being knocked out of the FA Cup by Fulham on penalties last weekend, Manchester United’s season now hinges on the Europa League.

Ineos’ financial plan was dependent on European football, which places huge pressure on United to win the competition and secure Champions League football.

Progressing through the Europa League will hand United a financial boost, which is much needed right now. However, on the pitch, it is also pivotal to give the club something to play for.

So Thursday’s clash with Real Sociedad has huge importance, yet it will be the toughest match of the tournament so far for United. One player, in particular, could be a big threat for Ruben Amorim.

Photo by Ion Alcoba Beitia/Getty Images

Shinji Kagawa is a big fan of Takefusa Kubo

When preparing to face Sociedad, Amorim will have identified Takefusa Kubo as the major threat – with previous quotes from Shinji Kagawa telling the story of how good the winger can be.

Kubo has been lauded by Kagawa in the past, back when the winger was a promising wonderkid at Real Madrid.

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Kagawa spoke to Marca in 2019, raving about his countryman.

“He’s a very good player,” said Kagawa. “He already speaks Spanish because he was at the Barcelona academy for a bit and this is helping him a lot now. I think he can play well for Real Madrid. He has a very good chance [of succeeding in Spain].

“He’s left-footed and very intelligent on the pitch. He always makes the right decision at the right time.”

If Kubo is on top form, he could put a close to United’s season over the next week, leaving the club nothing but a top-10 finish to play for.

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With bags of talent, Kubo has been compared with David Silva and he is a player that United have shown interest in signing over the past few years.

United were scouting Kubo in 2023 and the Japanese international has been lauded by two both Andres Iniesta and Zinedine Zidane.

Iniesta spoke about Kubo in 2019 before he left Barcelona due to a transfer ban. “We’re talking about a player with immense talent and a great future ahead of him.”

Meanwhile, Zidane lauded Kubo back in 2019 as being a “very exciting player for the present and the future.”

Takefusa Kubo stats 2024/25

Competition Games Goals Assists La Liga 24 5 0 Europa League 9 2 2

For all of Kubo’s talent, however, he has struggled in the attacking positions this season with just five goals in 24 La Liga games.

United will need to be on top form to stop the 23-year-old with Patrick Dorgu set for a long night.

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