Man Utd: Merchandise sales not behind Shinji Kagawa deal

Manchester United have dismissed claims that commercial success in Asia is the reason for the signing of Shinji Kagawa.

Sir Alex Ferguson's side confirmed on Tuesday that they had agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund for Kagawa but insist that merchandise sales were not a factor in the decision to sign the Japanese midfielder.

Richard Arnold, the club's commercial director, said: "We don't sign players to sell shirts. We are reliant on 25 players and they are all massive stars.

"When you look at the success we've seen in that part of the world, it isn't down to any one player or person."

The transfer of Kagawa could reportedly cost United £17m.