Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has heaped praise upon new signing Shinji Kagawa ahead of the winger's first start for the club.

Kagawa, who joined the Red Devils from Borussia Dortmund this summer, was brought on for the final minutes in United's opening pre-season match, a 1-0 win over Amazulu FC.

Ferguson cited the Japan international's late arrival in joining the squad as the reason behind not starting the player, but revealed that he will "probably start" on Saturday and that he has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"He's been outstanding," said Ferguson.

"His training performances have been very good. He was three or four days behind everyone else, but he'll play tomorrow.

"What we identified about Kagawa is exactly what I'm seeing now. The difference now is that our players are realising his qualities. He's got quick feet, is two-footed and had a good goal ratio with Dortmund. He's doing very well."

Kagawa had been at Dortmund for two years before making the move to Old Trafford, scoring 29 goals in 71 appearances in that time.