Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa hopes to start tonight against Cerezo Osaka.

Big things are expected of the Japan international this season and he is relishing the chance to play against his former club Cerezo Osaka on Friday.

"Tomorrow's match is against the club that has set me out on the international arena," he told a press conference. "The fans and supporters are back here to see me play for my club and I want to perform with my utmost effort.

"My current position is I've just rejoined the team and I've been training on my own during my break because I really need to catch up with the other players. I think the first match of the season will be very important so I don't want to get myself injured but I can promise I will play at my best tomorrow."