Following the recent signing of Robin Van Persie, it would be fair to say that fellow striker Javier Hernandez has become something of a forgotten man. However, the 24-year-old claims that he is more than ready to step up to the task and feels that he may have a great opportunity following the injury to Wayne Rooney.
Hernandez became an instant hit at Old Trafford following his move from Guadalajara in 2010, managing twenty goals in his debut season. However, his form certainly dried up in the 2011/12 season and following a return of twelve goals, Sir Alex Ferguson made it his priority to toughen up competition amongst his forward line.
Nevertheless, despite recruiting Robin Van Persie through the summer, Ferguson at least remained defiant that Hernandez was always in his plans and even said that the player would come back much better after resting over the summer.
With Wayne Rooney now set the miss the next month, it now looks as though Hernandez could get some opportunities handed to him over the next few weeks. As always, the Mexican has remained dignified about the situation, telling the press, “The great thing about this club is you know you will get opportunities because we play so many games in different tournaments. There are only 11 places each week and you need to do your best to get one of those places, but it’s great to have that competition because it means every player will have to raise the level of their game.”
However, with Hernandez yet to make an appearance this season, it is widely assumed that Ferguson will utilise other options – at least for the time being. Still, if Hernandez can manage to get some game time from the bench, United supporters know all too well what sort of an impact he can make as a substitute.