Kagawa will excel at United in a Mata of time!

It wasn't just the impressive victory against Newcastle United that highlighted the prosperous relationship between Juan Mata and Shinji Kagawa. 

What stood out in this victory, was particularly, how well the two played, away at an intimidating ground, and yet they both looked flawless. 

After only seeing glimpses of class since his arrival, Kagawa will admit himself, his form has been disappointing since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund for £17million in 2012. 

One of the main problems that has been evident in Kagawa's play is, he's looked uncomfortable in the playing style of United. Being shifted out on the left-wing, where he predominantly wants to play behind the striker has held him back.

Kagawa is a player who loves to have the ball, the more he has a feel, the more turned on in a game he'll get, his senses will accelerate, however this isn't the philosophy at United, where wingers have traditionally been expected to run to the by-line and cross the ball.

Of course, he was never going to be trusted right away to play the number 10 role as he was unproven in the Premier League, but that reluctance to play him in his favoured position has halted any progress that could've been made.

Also, due to Rooney somewhat owning that position already in a season where United had Robin van Persie firing on all cylinders, it was almost impossible for Kagawa to get the right chance. 

The arrival of Juan Mata may prove to be pivotal if Kagawa's to experience a turn in fortunes during his time at United. 

In Mata, United have a player similar to Kagawa, who appreciates the number 10 role, but also someone who enjoys having the ball. 

If the through pass or cross isn't there, the Spaniard isn't shy in passing it 5 yards sideways, and this is the same wavelength that Kagawa bases his game on.

There were signs in the West Brom game, when Kagawa came on and was instrumental in Welbeck's goal that Kagawa, Mata and even Fellaini could strike a partnership. 

Any real progression was halted with defeats against Liverpool and Manchester City after that match. 

The Villa match, was again, interesting and somewhat impressive, although the match was almost won before kick-off if you looked at United and Villa's head to head record.

Newcastle, away, is always a tough match though. No matter what form Newcastle were in preceding this match, they would've been buoyed by their victory at Old Trafford earlier in the season. 

It wasn't to be Newcastle's day as Kagawa and Mata ran the show, and from a neutral point of view it was a joy to watch. Mata's two goals and an assist, accompanied by Kagawa's assist for Chicharito's goal capped off two great performances.

As Mata is cup-tied, it will be interesting to see if Kagawa will start the match in Munich, as he did perform well in the 1st leg once he came on for Ryan Giggs, but one shining light for United this season will be his improvement and renewed confidence. 

The two playmakers ran the show in all areas of the field, from deep in their own half, to sublime flicks and touches in the wing, Kagawa, in particular, seems to be a player reborn, and credit must be given to David Moyes for somehow boosting his confidence after it seeming certain his Old Trafford career was coming to an end.