Cape Town - Sir Alex Ferguson admits it made sense for Shinji Kagawa to make
a return to Borussia Dortmund after Manchester United signed Juan Mata.
The former Red Devils boss brought Kagawa to Old Trafford while he was was in charge of the club in 2012, and felt that the Japan international was settling in well.
However, following the appointment of David Moyes, the midfielder saw his first-team berth come under threat due to a change in tactics and football philosophy.
And with Moyes drafting in Juan Mata from Chelsea, Kagawa's involvement was curtailed even further.
Commenting on Kagawa's return to Dortmund, Ferguson told Bild: "I was very happy with Shinji.
"He had settled in well when I was coach, and I had the impression he felt comfortable.
"But every coach has his own philosophy. When Moyes bought Juan Mata, Kagawa sensed he wasn't first-choice anymore and somehow resigned a bit.
"So, I think BVB and Kagawa did the right thing. Shinji's back where he feels best. And he has a coach in Jurgen Klopp who gives him the confidence he needs."
During his time at United Kagawa made 57 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.
The former Red Devils boss brought Kagawa to Old Trafford while he was was in charge of the club in 2012, and felt that the Japan international was settling in well.
However, following the appointment of David Moyes, the midfielder saw his first-team berth come under threat due to a change in tactics and football philosophy.
And with Moyes drafting in Juan Mata from Chelsea, Kagawa's involvement was curtailed even further.
Commenting on Kagawa's return to Dortmund, Ferguson told Bild: "I was very happy with Shinji.
"He had settled in well when I was coach, and I had the impression he felt comfortable.
"But every coach has his own philosophy. When Moyes bought Juan Mata, Kagawa sensed he wasn't first-choice anymore and somehow resigned a bit.
"So, I think BVB and Kagawa did the right thing. Shinji's back where he feels best. And he has a coach in Jurgen Klopp who gives him the confidence he needs."
During his time at United Kagawa made 57 appearances in all competitions, scoring six goals.