Hinata Miyazawa could answer Manchester United's prayers

Manchester United are undoubtedly thrilled that Hinata Miyazawa has joined their roster on a permanent deal. United reportedly edged Liverpool in the bid for Japan’s prolific midfielder, and the 2023 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot winner. And what an addition she will be, bolstering United's attacking threat.

However, three months ago you wouldn’t have known much, if anything, of this Japan international. Her World Cup campaign completely transformed her fortunes as she put herself well and truly on the map - a remarkable feat considering the 23-year-old has failed to solidify her spot in Japan’s starting line-up to this point.

In the build-up to the tournament, Miyazawa struggled for minutes, starting just three games out of 17 and completing the full 90 minutes on just two occasions for her country.

But somehow she unlocked a deadly stealth for goals at the height of the women’s game and became the star of the tournament, beating ridiculously talented strikers with household names expected to take home the accolade; Alex Morgan, Sophia Smith, Rachel Daly, Sam Kerr, Esther Gonzalez and Alexandra Popp among them.

In here last five club apperances, she lined up as a forward in a deeper-set 4-4-2 formation yet was pulled back into a deeper midfield role in a 4-3-3 and lined up as a 10 in a 4-2-3-1.

Internationally throughout the World Cup, however, she lined up as a left-sided attacking midfielder in a 3-4-2-1 formation against Zambia, scoring twice. Played as a right-sided forward in a 3-4-3 formation against Spain, she slammed two goals beyond 'keeper Misa Rodriguez.

She also featured on the left flank of the same formation against Norway and Sweden, netting her fifth goal of the tournament in the former.

Taking the