Manchester United forward Shinji Kagawa admits he 'cannot survive' at Old Trafford unless he improves

The Japan international was taken off at half time in the defeat to West Brom

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Manchester United's Shinji Kagawa has admitted that he is fighting for his future at the club and “cannot survive” at Old Trafford unless he improves substantially.

The Japanese was hauled off at half time during United's dismal 2-1 home defeat to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday - his first Premier League start of a season in which manager David Moyes has clearly been reluctant to play him. Kagawa, the £17m signing from Dortmund admitted he was deeply disappointed.

"I thought that I would have been able to find some space to create the chances in the second half," Kagawa said. "In that sense I was disappointed [to have been substituted.] Sure, I wasn't involved that much. I didn't touch the ball enough but I was trying to be patient so I didn't feel that bad."

Kagawa could consider himself unfortunate to have only his third start of the season cut short on Saturday. But he admitted: "I have to take this like some kinds of message [from the manager]. I need to improve more and more, or I can not survive at this club. I have to take this in a positive way and keep trying to do my best."