Injuries In Manchester United, via Bleacher Report

Manchester United News: Van Persie and Kagawa Injury Fears Played Down

As reported earlier, it seemed like Manchester United had been extremely unfortunate off the back of the recent spout of international fixtures with star players Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa picking up injuries whilst on duty for Netherlands and Japan respectively.

But both situations have been quickly played down on both sides, assuaging fears that the knocks were serious concerns.

Dutch coach Louis van Gaal addressed van Persie's struggles in his team's World Cup qualifying win against Hungary.

"We took off Robin for precautionary measures. It doesn't seem to be too serious, but you never know. We didn't want to take any risks," he told reporters after the match.

The striker was removed at halftime in the game, apparently struggling with a suspected thigh injury.

United midfielder Shinji Kagawa also sparked fears at Old Trafford when he was withdrawn an hour before Japan's World Cup qualifier with Iraq was due to start.

However he was also quick to play down his injury, telling the Kyodo news agency  hours after the game that, "I felt a twinge in the back during practice when I was on the ball. I had some treatment but didn't want to risk causing the team trouble by playing." 

"Obviously it's a shame I wasn't able to play...It's not that serious and I don't think it will keep me out for long."

Manchester United's next opponents are Roberto Martinez's Wigan Athletic, a team that on paper shouldn't give the Red Devils too much concern, especially considering that the fixture is held on Old Trafford, United's home ground.

But with van Persie and Kagawa having been two of the most influential players at the club in the early parts of the season, any spell on the sidelines for either player is sure to give United boss Sir Alex Ferguson reason for concern.