14. Javier Hernandez Birth date: 01 Jun 1988 Birthplace: Guadalajara, Mexico Position: Striker Appearances 142 Goals Scored 57 Joined United: 01 Jul 2010 United Debut: 08 Aug 2010 v Chelsea (N) International: Mexico Javier Chicharito Hernandez enjoyed a wonderful maiden season for United in 2010/11, scoring 20 goals in all competitions and terrorising defences with his pace and movement. Adored in his native Mexico, it wasnt long before he also became a fans favourite in the UK, thanks to his footballing ability, friendly demeanour and dedicated professionalism. Chicha completed his move to Old Trafford in July 2010, becoming United’s first Mexican player. He joined from hometown club Chivas de Guadalajara, for whom he had scored 29 goals in 79 games since making his debut as a teenager in 2006. Unusually for a club of Uniteds stature, the transfer was conducted completely under the radar: only the player and his father were aware of the deal and there was no prior speculation in the media, either in the UK or Mexico. Chicharito means ‘little pea’ and Hernandez attracted the moniker because he’s the son of Javier Hernandez, himself a top Mexican striker who played in the 1986 World Cup and was nicknamed Chicharo (pea) because of his green eyes. An out-and-out striker, Chicharito is quick, two-footed and strong in the air, qualities that have seen him likened to Reds legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. He made an early impact at international level, scoring twice for Mexico in the 2010 World Cup just days before completing his switch to United. Those goals introduced him to a wider global audience and would undoubtedly have led to a clamour for his signature – precisely the reason why United moved fast to complete the deal before the tournament began. It quickly became clear why Sir Alex was so keen to sign Hernandez. After an eye-catching, goalscoring debut in pre-season against an MLS All-Stars side, Paul Scholes predicted the Mexican would score 25 goals in his first campaign... he wasnt far wrong. And though Hernandez was expected to be eased into the first team gradually, Sir Alex could not ignore his ability in front of goal for long. Chicharito grabbed his chance with both hands. Hes a born finisher and scored all kinds of goals in 2010/11, among them numerous vital matchwinners. By the end of a season in which he picked up his first league winners medal, Sir Alex had enough faith in his new signing to start him in the Champions League final and it came as no surprise when he signed an improved five-year contract in October 2011. Hernandez’s second season was less spectacular, thanks to a number of niggling injuries and the form of Danny Welbeck, although he still managed to bag 12 goals in 2011/12 – many of them important – at a rate of one every three appearances. 2012/13 proved to be another fruitful one in front of goal with him ending the season on 18 goals; only Robin van Persie scored more. A lack of regular starts left him frustrated but he was still always ready when called upon and his strikes in wins over Newcastle at Old Trafford and away at Chelsea and Villa were vital to Uniteds title victory.
Posted on: Thu, 06 Mar 2014 17:42:25 +0000
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