Spanish reports claim Diego Simeone is poised to use his considerable transfer funds to lure Kagawa away from Old Trafford, and will offer a fee in the region of £14m to do so. 

Simeone has already begun the rebuilding process having seen David Villa, Diego Costa, Filipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois leave the Vicente Calderon this summer.

And has completed the impressive £42million double capture of Bayern Munich's Mario Mandzukic and Tottenham target Antoine Griezmann to bolster his forward line.

But if the Spanish champions are to defend their crown against a significantly strengthened Barcelona and Real Madrid - signings who can match the dynamism of Luis Suarez or flair of James Rodriguez will be needed. 

Kagawa has endured a fairly indifferent time at Old Trafford since his £17m move from Borussia Dortmund - failing to net a single goal last season. 

The 25-year-old has made 38 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils, a fifth of which came from the bench - a fairly modest total for a player the calibre of Kagawa.

Many United fans feel that Kagawa hasn't been given the opportunity to thrive in Manchester, and hope that Van Gaal's presence can coax out his obvious potential.

Mismanagement, lack of Premier League experience and confidence are all reasons given for Kagawa's lacklustre arrival to England.

But it is mainly the presence of Juan Mata occupying the number 10 role that appears Japanese midfielder's largest obstacle.