Manchester United players were seeking refuge and relief in the World Cup as their hopeless season dragged on, Japanese international Shinji Kagawa said on Saturday.
The Brazil-bound midfielder said the troops at Old Trafford couldn't wait for the June 12-July 13 tournament to begin with United's campaign being sucked into a downward spiral that led to the dismissal of manager David Moyes.
United, Premier League champion the previous season under Alex Ferguson, finished seventh on the table, missing out on both the Champions and Europa Leagues. The Red Devils ended up 22 points behind new champion and crosstown rival Manchester City.