Manchester United's other new recruit assessed

Shinji Kagawa would have been wise to have walked on to Goodison Park clutching a Premier League guidebook. As those around him began the match travelling at warp speed, the demands of one of the toughest -initiations in English football must have felt both bewildering and intoxicating. At times, it looked like he required GPS to locate the ball.

Kagawa needed seven minutes to enjoy the first touch of his Manchester United career, a tidy six-yard pass back to a team-mate that will have felt like a blessed relief. Until then he had been an energetic spectator.

Never mind a different style of football, Kagawa could be forgiven for thinking he has been introduced into a new sport. Those who arrive from a more measured game overseas must feel like long-distance runners thrust into a 100 metre dash.

Sir Alex Ferguson will have no doubts about his acquisition's ability, but handing out a debut at such a venue allows him to weigh up the strength of a player's character. The Manchester United manager could at least feel encouraged by this aspect of Kagawa's make-up.

Rather than allow the hyper-speed encounter to pass him by in the 'hole' - the position he requested on his arrival from Borussia Dortmund - he wilfully hunted possession and rarely squandered it.

His first meaningful contribution was to drop deep and send a penetrating pass through the centre of Everton's defence for Wayne Rooney, which the striker was unable to -collect in his stride.

An equally deft touch found Danny Welbeck in space seven minutes before half-time, the Englishman's loss of balance denying Kagawa. In between, tidy and enthusiastic would sum up his contribution, but it was overshadowed by the tenacity and overall excellence of his opponents.

Ferguson said he had a dilemma before kick-off about deciding whether Kagawa should start. Who to pick? The 22 million pounds striker whom you spent the past two months haggling over, or the 17 million pounds youngster that many believe is the more astute, long-term purchase?

Not many hearts will bleed for -Ferguson as he piles up attacking options, but given Kagawa's position should it be presumed either him or Robin van Persie will always sit on the bench?

The arrival of two versatile strikers must also mean there is pressure on Rooney to ensure he is not part of a season of rotation.

Van Persie's footballer of the year accolades owed to him playing in the advanced role occupied by Rooney last night, not the deeper, architect's position entrusted to Kagawa.

The Dutchman can function expertly in both, as indeed can Rooney. United now have as many classy options as Manchester City in their front line.

Recruiting Van Persie on the eve of a new season ensured Kagawa was the acquisition no one talked about before the game. Those who watched him win successive German titles believe he could soon be the main focus of attention.

Van Persie represents short--termism in the transfer market that is rare for Ferguson. Kagawa is more in tune with the manager's recent drive to accumulate young talent to see the club into the next era.

The Borussia Dortmund players were distraught by Kagawa's exit. At the height of the European Championships, Dortmund's German international Mats Hummels predicted Kagawa would make an instant impact on the Premier League.

His slight frame conjures comparisons with his Manchester City rival David Silva. Kagawa will need as much time to familiarise with this league as English football will him.

He will be consoled by the knowledge that few away venues offer such a daunting or robust welcome. Few outplay United as much as Everton did for much of the evening.