Manchester United midfielder Shinji Kagawa has insisted once again that he needs more first-team football at Old Trafford.

The Japan international, who featured in his nation's friendly defeats to Serbia and Belarus, has not been able to force his way into United's starting XI under new manager David Moyes.

The 24-year-old has admitted that his time on the substitutes' bench has affected his mentality and ability to keep optimum fitness.

"Personally I felt strongly after these two matches [with Japan] that I need to play more [at my club]," Goal.com quotes Kagawa as saying.

"It's different from the atmosphere at United but you still get a good feel for being on the pitch when you play regularly.

"Maybe it's because I'm not used to being on the pitch of late but I didn't feel like I was able to enter these two games properly. During tough times like these I have to improve myself."

Kagawa has featured in just four matches in all competitions for United this season.