Manchester United are interested in a Japanese international to solve striking woes

The last talented Japanese player to arrive at Old Trafford from German football didn't fare well.

Shinji Kagawa was played out of position by both Alex Ferguson and David Moyes, and failed to recapture his brilliant Borussia Dortmund form in a two year spell at Manchester United. The arrival of Robin van Persie, also in 2012, meant Wayne Rooney played in Kagawa's best position, behind the striker, and the Japanese international was forced to play wide or deeper. Luckily for Yoshinori Muto, if United were to sign him, he'd most likely get a run at centre-forward because of the side's woes in front of goal. Louis van Gaal's side have scored just 22 goals in 17 Premier League games this season.Muto, who turned down a move to Chelsea last summer, is currently playing for Mainz in the Bundesliga, and is on the radar of United, according to The Guardian. The 23 year old has six goals in 12 games this season and, according to The Guardian's Daniel Taylor, is among three players being discussed as potential transfer targets behind the scenes at Old Trafford. The club reportedly also want to make a fresh move for Southampton's Sadio Mane and are interested in Everton's John Stones, but are aware any deal for the central defender will come at a premium. Whether Van Gaal will be around to instruct any of these players to pass the ball sideways remains to be seen.