Shinji Kagawa leaves Manchester United and returns to Borussia Dortmund after disappointing two-year spell at Old Trafford

Red Devils exodus continues as Van Gaal continues to clear the decks

Shinji Kagawa, left, celebrates his assist for a goal from forward Javier Hernandez (Getty)

Shinji Kagawa has returned to Borussia Dortmund just two years after leaving the Bundesliga club to join Manchester United in a £12m deal.

The 25-year-old has signed a four-year deal with the German club after failing to impress neither David Moyes or Louis van Gaal since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement last year.

"I wanted to realise my Premier League dream but now I'm happy to be back in Dortmund in this great team. Dortmund is like a family," the midfielder said.

"I am proud they have never forgotten me and I can belong again."

The Japanese international scored just six goals in 57 appearances for the Red Devils but many suggested that he should have been given a prolonged period in the starting eleven.

Van Gaal is desperate to offload a series of players before tomorrow's transfer deadline and moves out of Manchester are also planned for Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverely.

Hull City remain interested in securing Cleverley's services but will have to beat Aston Villa and Valencia if they are to land their man.

Welbeck, on the other hand, has been linked with a move to London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur but it remains to be seen where the England forward will end up.