Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has called Japanese midfielder Shinji Kagawa "a really top player".

The 23-year-old struggled with injury in the early part of the season, but he scored a hat-trick for United in their 4-0 win over Norwich City at the weekend.

"I think that we were always aware of his talent," Ferguson told reporters at a press conference ahead of United's Champions League last-16 clash with Real Madrid on Tuesday.

"He was off for three months and it's taken him a while to come back but gradually he is coming back, doing very well now, and he'll be much better next year but with the composure of his goals on Saturday, we've got a really top player there."

Kagawa joined United from Borussia Dortmund last summer.