Shinji Kagawa opened his goalscoring account to help his new club Manchester United defeat Shanghai Shenhua 1-0 in China this afternoon.
Goalscoring chances were few and far between during the opening 45 minutes, with both teams employing a 4-5-1 formation.
The best opportunity fell to another new United recruit Nick Powell, who found himself unmarked inside the area. However, having chested the ball down he dragged his shot wide of goal from 10 yards out.
Joel Griffths also had a chance for the hosts, but his goalward effort was blocked by United goalkeeper Anders Lindegaard from close range.
Sir Alex Ferguson's United started brightly after the restart and almost went ahead in the 47th minute. Kagawa squared the ball for Anderson, but the Brazilian midfielder shot just wide of the target.
The deadlock was eventually broken in the 68th minute. Substitute Bebe broke free down the left, before he cut the ball back for Kagawa eight yards from goal. The Japanese international took one touch and then sent the ball past the home goalkeeper.
United continued to dominate during the remaining minutes, but they were unable to add to their tally.
Today's win has handed the Red Devils the Chevrolet Cup.
Liam Apicella
