JOHANNESBURG -  Kagawa and another new signing Nick Powell started on the United bench in their 1-0 win over AmaZulu in Durban on Wednesday with  the Japanese international   introduced only two minutes from the final whistle.

Ferguson, who opted to field a young team  including Robbie Brady, Jesse Lingard, Scott Wootton and Frederic Veseli against AmaZulu, confirmed that he will start with Kagawa, who received a standing ovation from United fans  in Durban.

“We will probably start with him. He will play longer in Cape Town than he did in Durban,” said Ferguson.

Also set to start this afternoon is Antonio Valencia and Anderson, who  also started on the bench in Durban where Ferguson also went with a young team.

 With many of United’s senior players absent from the pre-season tour due to Euro 2012 or Olympic commitments, Ferguson’s team is  a mixture of experience and untested youth and the Scot was pleased with his side’s performance against AmaZulu despite only winning 1-0.

 Ferguson, coming to South Africa for the fourth time with his Manchester side, said he was impressed with the standard of football that AmaZulu displayed and that he is looking forward to another exciting match against Ajax Cape Town.

Ferguson added they always had good preparations when they come to this country, unlike going to the Far East.

“We have been here four times and we have always found it to be beneficial,” he said.
“We have played with good teams and it’s a great country unlike when we go to the Far East.

“When you go to the Far East you need two weeks to recover and that’s why we are trying to squeeze in games in China  so we can quickly go back  to Manchester and start recovering for the season.

“Recovery time is very important when you are coming from the  Far East.” 

United have played against Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in the past.

Their first visit to this country was in 1992, winning their first match against Chiefs  2-1.

They then came back twice for the Vodacom Challenge, playing against both Chiefs and Pirates.