Former Manchester United striker Andy Cole has backed Shinji Kagawa to show that he is a "quality player".

The Japanese international has been used sparingly by David Moyes this season, having not featured in a Premier League match since January 11.

However, Cole believes that if given the chance, the 24-year-old playmaker will replicate the form that he showed with Borussia Dortmund prior to his 2012 move to United.

"He is a quality player but he is not the only one who is finding it hard to get regular football. There are many top players in the squad and there is plenty of competition," Cole said at a club event in Tokyo.

"Having seen Shinji play at Dortmund, I know for sure how good he is. He was the best player in Germany for two years. I believe he'll come back with some good displays."

Kagawa has made a total of 19 appearances in all competitions this term.