Shinji Kagawa was just one of Manchester United's handful of flops during the post Sir Alex Ferguson era - and he was once linked to an adult star
Shinji Kagawa signed for Man Utd in 2022
Shinji Kagawa arrived at Manchester United with quite a bit of intrigue.
The Japanese attacking midfielder had been part of an exciting Borussia Dortmund side that had captivated Europe - and United fans were hoping his talents could wrestle back the Premier League title from their noisy neighbours.
Kagawa, who turns 36 on Monday (March 17), rocked up at Old Trafford in the summer of 2012 - along with reports he was allegedly dating Japanese adult star Ameri Ichinose.
Reports from The Mirror, at the time, state Ichinose is understood to have begun starring in adult films back in 2006 when she was 18-years-old, having previously worked as a glamour model.
She also once joked "the nastier the better," when asked about her career.
Ameri Ichinose was linked to Kagawa
Despite winning the Premier League during his first season in England, Kagawa struggled at United and was blighted by a knee injury during his time at the club.
Overall, he made a total of 57 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring six goals and providing 10 assists for his team-mates.
He was sold back to Dortmund in 2014 for half of what United had paid for him two years earlier and has since embarked on a nomadic career.
Kagawa had spells in Turkey, Spain and Greece before joining Belgian side Sint-Truiden on a free transfer in 2022.
There was time for a homecoming to end his career - and on January 31 2023, Kagawa returned to Japan, joining his boyhood club Cerezo Osaka on a free transfer.
It would be almost three months before he could make his second debut - turning out for the club for the first time in 14 years. And he would score in the 2–1 win against Sagan Tosu, securing the club's first win of the season.
Ruben Amorim and Manchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt's standout attacker Hugo Ekitike as he attracts Prem interestMan Utd might have an advantage in the race for Hugo EkitikeManchester United might have an advantage in the race for Frankfurt standout Hugo Ekitike.The 22-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, with United, Chelsea and ...
Viktor Gyokeres has snubbed a move to Manchester United, as per reports from Portugal.The Swedish forward was rumoured to be linking up with Old Trafford to join forces once more with ex-Sporting Lisbon gaffer Ruben Amorim. Record claims that Gyokeres has binned off the chance to don the famous Red Devils shirt, with his reps giving United the cold shoulder.Arsenal now seem to be at the front of t...
Barcelona hold talks with Williams as Yamal teases link-upBarcelona sporting director Deco reportedly met up with Nico Williams' agent in a bid to reignite their interest in the Athletic Club winger.Barcelona have reopened talks with Williams' camp, including his agent Felix Tainta, per Spanish publication Sport, with Deco leading efforts to lure the 22-year-old away from Athletic Club. The Spanis...
Jaw-dropping reporter Simona Leskovska turned heads as she appeared at the U21 Euros in a dress that left fans stunned and was joined pitchside by her Serie A-winning partnerStunning reporter Simona Leskovska turned heads at the U21 Euros in an eye-catching outfit.The 30-year-old brunette beauty is working as a reporter at the tournament in her native Slovakia and has captured the imagination of f...
Brazilian football icon Neymar has wowed fans on social media with his bold outfit choice that cost as much as a small family carNeymar flexed the outfit on InstagramFootball legend Neymar has been torn off a strip by fans after sharing pics of his bizarre pink party outfit online that cost as much as a family car.The Brazilian Santos star got togged up in the furry kit assembled from some of the ...
FOOTBALLER Kieran Trippier has confirmed his marriage is over for good.The Newcastle United player broke his silence on their split after The Sun revealed his new mystery woman.Kieran Trippier with his estranged wife CharlotteKieran was snapped with his arm around Chloe Ferry in IbizaKieran was spotted with his arm around ChloeKieran, 34, partied with Geordie Shore’s Chloe Ferry, 29, at Ibiz...
The late Kim Woodburn famously had to be held back by security in the Celebrity Big Brother house after an explosive argument with Jamie O'Hara, which saw her call him an "adulterer"Kim Woodburn slammed Jamie O'Hara as an "adulterer"The late Kim Woodburn once blasted former Premier League star Jamie O’Hara in an explosive Celebrity Big Brother row that has gone down in reality TV history.Woo...
AN INFLUENCER linked with Lamine Yamal has revealed she has received sickening death threats.Fati Vazquez, 30, reportedly spent a weekend with the Barcelona star, sparking rumours of a romantic relationship.Fati Vazquez was seen on holiday seemingly in the same spot at the Barcelona starShe has almost 400,000 followers on InstagramPictures shared on Instagram by the pair, three days apart and veri...
DAZN presenter Eleonora Incardona stole the show at the Club World Cup.Incardona, 34, works as a touchline reporter for their coverage of Serie A.Eleonora Incardona stunned as she hosted the Club World CupThe Italian works as a touchline reporter for DaznShe also blew a kiss to her 1.2 million followersBut the TV star has joined the broadcaster for its coverage of the new-look tournament.And durin...
KIERAN Trippier's mystery woman has been revealed as Geordie Shore's Chloe Ferry.Insiders said the reality TV star partied with the Newcastle United footballer at Ibiza nightclub Ushuaia last week.A source added: "Chloe and her friends were introduced to Kieran and his mates and they partied together."Kieran was very tactile and put his arm around her when they were together at the club."Chloe is ...
- 1 DONE DEAL: Marseille confirm CJ Egan-Riley signing from Burnley
- 2 Chloe Kelly enjoys sun-kissed holiday as Arsenal star rests before Euro 2025
- 3 Jack Grealish set to leave Man City this summer
- 4 Man Utd have Hugo Ekitike 'advantage'
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 Stunning Euro U21 reporter dubbed 'queen of Europe' in bold dress
- 7 Man Utd make decision on replacing Andre Onana with Emi Martinez this summer
- 8 PSG vs Atletico Madrid Prediction 16 June 2025
- 9 Laura Woods gives update on post-pregnancy body
- 10 Real Madrid eye a trio of targets