'Nothing's hurting' - Kagawa emerges from Manchester United return fully fit The Japan international provided Michael Carrick the

'Nothing's hurting' - Kagawa emerges from Manchester United return fully fit

The Japan international provided Michael Carrick the game-winning assist as the hosts began their 2012-13 UEFA Champions League campaign with a win over Galatasaray.

Sep 20, 2012 7:25:00 AM

By Dan Orlowitz

More On :  Manchester United, Shinji Kagawa, Manchester United vs Galatasaray

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Manchester United attacker Shinji Kagawa insists he is fully fit after providing the game-winning assist in his team's 1-0 win over Galatasaray in their opening match of the UEFA Champions League group stage.

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Kagawa made an impression in his first appearance since Sept. 6, where he was substituted at halftime in Japan's 1-0 friendly win against the United Arab Emirates.

After concerns over back pain that forced his withdrawal from Japan's World Cup qualifier against Iraq, the Samurai Blue star watched his club's 4-0 win last weekend against Wigan from the bench. He returned to start and play 84 minutes at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

"Nothing's hurting," Kagawa told Nikkan. "I've gotten back into form in practice, but I need to improve a bit more physically and increase my momentum."

Kagawa combined with teammate Michael Carrick in the eighth minute, sending the midfielder clear on goal with a well-placed pass from just outside the penalty area, one that Carrick slotted home for the lone tally.

"We got off to a good start at home," Kagawa said. "We had two or three chances to score, and then when we did convert it became an easier game to play.

"Once I got the ball, I was able to pick up speed and move toward the goal. That sort of play is important, but I'm disappointed that I wasn't able to take any big shots."